Multiplatform heating ventilation and air conditioning control system

ABSTRACT

A multiplatform heating ventilation and air conditioning control system configured to maximize energy efficiency in maintaining desired conditions within an area through beneficial use of natural energy sources. In some embodiments, the multiplatform heating ventilation and air conditioning control system can include sensors and a control system. In some embodiments, the sensors can detect conditions inside and outside of the controlled area to determine the most efficient method of maintaining desired conditions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT Application No.PCT/US2011/054828, filed Oct. 4, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Patent Application No. 61/389,630, filed Oct. 4, 2010, the entirety ofeach of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to heating, ventilation, humidity,and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems. More specifically, certainembodiments concern HVAC control systems that are configured, forexample, to efficiently cool one or more structures, to heat one or morestructures, and/or to provide hot water to one or more structures.Energy reduction methods and strategies are utilized to decrease overallenergy usage and to achieve net zero energy usage when combined withalternative power production sources such as solar photovoltaic power,hydropower, micro-hydropower, geothermal, biomass, biodigester, or anyother alternative power production source.

2. Description of Related Art

As world energy usage and energy demands continue to rise, the cost ofenergy has dramatically increased. Additionally, the world has seen anincrease in energy volatility caused by wars, weather and climaterelated events and disasters, infrastructure breakdowns, naturaldisasters, and production changes and manipulation, for example. Thus,energy is more precious and valuable than ever.

Greater energy conservation can be achieved through increased efficientenergy use, in conjunction with decreased energy consumption and/orreduced consumption from conventional energy sources. Energyconservation can result in increased financial capital, environmentalquality, national security, personal security, and human comfort.Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to systems, devices andmethods that can provide improved energy usage, can minimize the loss ofenergy and can capture previously wasted or unused energy.

SUMMARY

The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein each have severalaspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for theirdesirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, someprominent features will now be discussed briefly. Numerous otherembodiments are also contemplated, including embodiments that havefewer, additional, and/or different components, steps, features,objects, benefits, and advantages. The components, aspects, and stepsmay also be arranged and ordered differently. After considering thisdiscussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled“Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments,” one will understand howthe features of the devices and methods disclosed herein can provideadvantages over other known devices and methods.

Some embodiments relate to a method of controlling the temperature of astructure. The method of controlling the temperature of a structure caninclude, for example, one or more of sensing a temperature of ambientair outside the structure, determining whether the sensed temperature isbelow a first pre-determined value, above the first pre-determined valueand below a second pre-determined value, or above the secondpre-determined value, pressurizing the structure with ambient air if thesensed temperature is below the first pre-determined value, coolingambient air with an evaporative cooling system if the sensed temperatureis above the first pre-determined value and below the secondpre-determined value, pressurizing the structure with the cooled ambientair if the sensed temperature is above the first pre-determined valueand below the second pre-determined value, and using a heat pump to coolthe structure if the sensed temperature is above the secondpre-determined value.

In some embodiments of the method of controlling the temperature of astructure, the evaporative cooling system can be, for example, anindirect evaporative cooling system. In some embodiments of the methodof controlling the temperature of a structure, the first pre-determinedvalue can be, for example, between about 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit,or about 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 75 or about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or about75 degrees Fahrenheit for example. The second pre-determined value canbe, for example, about 75-110 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, or about85 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, forexample. Some embodiments of the method of controlling the temperatureof a structure can further include, for example, exhausting air from thestructure. This air can have, for example, a temperature greater or lessthan the first pre-determined value.

Some embodiments relate to a method of controlling the temperature of astructure. This can include, for example, providing a solar hot airpanel, heating ambient air with the solar hot air panel and directingthe heated air into the structure, sensing a temperature of air withinthe structure at night, determining whether the sensed temperature isbelow a first pre-determined value, and using a heat pump to heat airwithin the structure if the sensed temperature is below thepre-determined value. The predetermined value can be any desiredtemperature above which the temperature is desired. For example, it canbe below any value between about 0 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or about20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 75 or about 80 degreesFahrenheit, or about 75 degrees Fahrenheit for example.

Some embodiments of the method of controlling the temperature of astructure can further include sensing a temperature of a space disposedover the structure during the day, determining whether the sensedtemperature is above a second pre-determined value, and circulatingambient air through the structure if the sensed temperature is above thesecond pre-determined value. The predetermined value can be any desiredvalue. For example, the predetermined value can be any predeterminedvalue described herein, including without limitation a temperature abovea value between 30 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit or any value therebetween,for example.

Some embodiments relate to a method of efficient cooling control of abuilding. This method can include, for example, circulating untreatedambient air within a building when ambient conditions are within a firstpre-determined temperature range, such as, for example, between 10 and150 degrees Fahrenheit, between 30 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, between40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit,between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or in any other desiredtemperature range, treating ambient air, by, for example, indirect ordirect evaporative cooling, to cool the ambient air to a desiredtemperature when ambient conditions are in a second pre-determinedtemperature range, such as, for example, between 10 and 150 degreesFahrenheit, between 30 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, between 40 and 90degrees Fahrenheit, between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, between 60 and70 degrees Fahrenheit, or in any other desired temperature range,circulating the treated ambient air within the building when ambientconditions are within the second pre-determined temperature range,exhausting air from the structure, managing temperature of an enclosedspace of the building, such as, for example, an attic, to assist incooling the building. In some embodiments, the temperature can bemanaged by, for example, venting warmed air from the space andcirculating untreated ambient air to maintain temperatures within thespace at or below ambient temperatures, and, circulating cooled buildingair throughout the building when ambient temperatures are within a thirdpre-determined temperature range, such as, for example, between 10 and150 degrees Fahrenheit, between 30 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, between40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit,between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or in any other desiredtemperature range. In some embodiments, the circulated cooled air can becooled through indirect evaporative cooling.

Some embodiments relate to a method for efficient heating control of abuilding, including, for example, circulating untreated ambient air whenambient conditions are within a pre-determined temperature range, suchas, for example, between 10 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, between 30 and100 degrees Fahrenheit, between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, between 50and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or inany other desired temperature range, heating, by, for example, solarheating, ambient air to obtain a desired temperature when ambienttemperatures are in a second pre-determined temperature range, such as,for example, between 10 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, between 30 and 100degrees Fahrenheit, between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, between 50 and80 degrees Fahrenheit, between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or in anyother desired temperature range, managing attic temperature, by, forexample, circulating warmed attic air into the building and coolbuilding air into the attic to maintain a desired temperature, to assistin heating the building, and circulating heated building air throughoutthe building when ambient temperatures are within a third pre-determinedtemperature range, such as, for example, between 10 and 150 degreesFahrenheit, between 30 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, between 40 and 90degrees Fahrenheit, between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, between 60 and70 degrees Fahrenheit, or in any other desired temperature range.

Some embodiments relate to a method of maximizing building efficiency,including, circulating untreated ambient air when ambient conditions arewithin a pre-determined temperature range, cooling ambient air to obtaina desired temperature when ambient conditions are in a secondpre-determined temperature range. In some embodiments, the cooling ofambient air can include, for example cooling through indirectevaporative cooling. The method of maximizing building efficiency canfurther include managing attic temperature to assist in cooling thebuilding. In some embodiments, the temperature is managed by ventingwarmed attic air and circulating untreated ambient air to maintain attictemperatures at or below ambient temperatures. The method of maximizingbuilding efficiency can further include circulating cooled building air,including building air cooled through indirect evaporative cooling,throughout the building when ambient temperatures are within a thirdpre-determined temperature range, heating ambient air, including heatingambient air with solar heating, to obtain a desired temperature whenambient temperatures are in a second pre-determined temperature range,managing attic temperature by circulating warmed attic air into thebuilding and cool building air into the attic to maintain a desiredtemperature to assist in heating the building, circulating heatedbuilding air throughout the building when ambient temperatures arewithin a third pre-determined temperature range, and, heating water withexcess heat captured from building activities. In some embodiments, theheat can be, for example, captured through the use of heat pumps. Insome embodiments, the hot water can be used to provide additionalbuilding climate control or to provide for heated water needs. In someembodiments, water generated through the heat capture activities can beutilized in connection with the building.

Some embodiments relate to a method of utilization of an environmentalcycle by a climate control system to decrease energy required tomaintain a desired condition within a defined volume. This can include,for example, sensing a parameter of the defined volume, comparing thesensed parameter of the defined volume to a desired parameter for thedefined volume, sensing a parameter of the environment surrounding thedefined volume, comparing the sensed parameter of the environmentsurrounding the defined volume to the sensed parameter of the definedvolume and the desired parameter for the defined volume, and alteringthe parameter of the defined volume to match the desired parameter forthe defined volume in part via heat or energy transfer to or from theenvironment.

In some embodiments, two or more electrical devices, including, forexample, one or more compressors, can be managed to avoid simultaneousstart and thus to reduce electrical demand penalties. In someembodiments, heat can be extracted, for example, from high heat sourceswith a heat pump, such as, for example, an air-to water heat pump. Insome embodiments, the heat can be extracted from any part of a buildingor from equipment stored in the building, such as, for example, akitchen, laundry, pool, from areas around compressors, or fromelectrical equipment or areas around electrical equipment. In someembodiments, moisture can be simultaneously extracted from high heatareas.

In some embodiments, a defined volume can include, for example, theinternal volume of a structure, such as, for example, a residentialstructure, including a mobile home, or a non-residential structure. Insome embodiments, the defined volume can include, for example, theinternal volume of a tank, such as, for example, a water tank.

In some embodiments, the parameter of the defined volume can include,for example, a temperature or a relative humidity. In some embodiments,the parameter of the environment can include, for example, a temperatureor a relative humidity.

In some embodiments, altering the parameter of the defined volume caninclude, for example, replacing a portion of the air of the definedvolume with air from the environment, utilizing captured energy to heatthe contents of the defined volume. This energy can be captured, forexample, with a solar heating system such as, for example, a solar hotair panel or a solar hot water panel. In some embodiments, altering theparameter of the defined volume can include, for example,non-environmentally based cooling with, for example, evaporative coolingor a heat pump, or non-environmentally caused heating with, for example,a heat pump.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depictonly several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are notto be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be describedwith additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of one exampleof a non-limiting embodiment of a HVAC system that may be implementedwith a multiplatform control system.

FIGS. 2A-2F are block diagrams schematically illustrating non-limitingexamples of various applications for the HVAC system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a top plan view of one non-limitingexamples of an embodiment of a HVAC system configured to provide winterheating.

FIG. 3B schematically illustrates a top plan view of a non-limitingexample of the HVAC system of FIG. 3A configured to provide summercooling.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a non-limiting example of an atticventilation system that can be incorporated with the HVAC systemsdisclosed herein.

FIGS. 5A-5C schematically illustrates a non-limiting example of anembodiment of an attic space ventilation system configured to operate inthree different applications.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a non-limiting example of a hydronicsystem used in connection with one embodiment of a multiplatform controlsystem.

FIGS. 7A-7L are block diagrams schematically illustrating non-limitingexamples of various applications of the hydronic system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram schematically illustrating a non-limitingexample of an energy production system for use in connection with someembodiments of a multiplatform control system.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram schematically illustrating a non-limitingexample of an energy production system for use in connection with someembodiments of a multiplatform control system.

FIG. 8C is a block diagram schematically illustrating a non-limitingexample of a climate control system for use in connection with someembodiments of a multiplatform control system.

FIG. 8D is a block diagram schematically illustrating a non-limitingexample of a climate control system for use in connection with someembodiments of a multiplatform control system.

FIG. 9 depicts one non-limiting example of an embodiment of a solarenergy system that can be used in connection with some embodiments of amultiplatform control system.

FIGS. 10A-10C depict various non-limiting examples of embodiments ofutility structures that can optionally be used in connection with someembodiments of a multiplatform control system.

FIG. 11A depicts one non-limiting example of an embodiment of anelectrical system that can be used in connection with some embodimentsof a multiplatform control system.

FIG. 11B provides a closer view of the electrical system embodiment ofFIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A depicts a side view of one non-limiting example of anembodiment of a pre-filtration unit that can be used in connection withsome embodiments of a multiplatform control system.

FIG. 12B depicts a cross-sectional view of the pre-filtration unitembodiment of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 depicts one non-limiting example of an embodiment of a bypasssystem that can be used in connection with some embodiments of amultiplatform control system.

FIG. 14 depicts one non-limiting example of an embodiment of a radiatorcooling system that can be used in connection with some embodiments of amultiplatform control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting. Otherembodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in theFigures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a widevariety of different configurations, all of which are explicitlycontemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to multiplatform systems, forexample, HVAC control systems for residential structures, for example,houses, and/or for commercial structures, for example, restaurants. Asused herein, “multiplatform” control systems refer to control systemsthat incorporate multiple systems for heating and/or cooling, forexample, heat pumps, solar hot air modules, and/or evaporative coolingsystems. In this way, multiplatform control systems may utilize the mostefficient system or method available to heat or cool a given structuredepending on climatic conditions (e.g., temperature and/or relativehumidity). For example, a multiplatform control system may control aconventional heat pump and a solar hot air module to provide heat to agiven structure. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented tocontrol the heating and/or cooling of a structure as a stand alonesystem as well as in a multiplatform system. For example, the aircirculation system discussed below with reference to FIG. 1 can beimplemented to supplement HVAC capabilities provided by a conventionalheat pump and/or can be implemented as the primary HVAC system for anygiven structure.

The HVAC systems disclosed herein can include smart board and/or analogcontrol components with one or more sensors that initiate the variousmethods of heating, cooling, and ventilation. The control components canbe configured to minimize energy usage by a HVAC system by controllingthe operation of different components of the HVAC system. In oneembodiment, control components can limit the use of a heat pump duringsummer nights to reduce power consumption required for cooling. In oneembodiment, control components can limit the use of a heat pump duringwinter days to reduce power consumption required for heating.Additionally, the control components may monitor the power use ofvarious HVAC system components to assess, diagnose, optimize, andmaintain these components. The control components may also monitor wasteheat sources, for example, kitchen areas, and recycle waste heat tolimit power consumption required for HVAC.

Several non-limiting examples of embodiments will now be described withreference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer tolike elements throughout. The terminology used in the descriptionpresented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited orrestrictive manner, simply because it is being utilized in conjunctionwith a detailed description of certain specific embodiments.Furthermore, embodiments can include several novel features, no singleone of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or whichis essential to practicing the technology herein described.

In some embodiments, the multiplatform HVAC control system can, forexample, tie local environmental cycles to the structure associated withthe multiplatform HVAC control system. The multiplatform HVAC controlsystem can, in some embodiments, integrate the specific localenvironmental cycles into the associated structure to optimize heating,ventilation, air conditioning, and humidity control. In some embodimentsintegrated environmental factors can include, for example, diurnalswing, solar gain, solar radiation, solar reflectance, solarrefractance, absorption, adsorption, or any other environmental factor.In some embodiments, the multiplatform HVAC control system uniquelycombine technologies to harness these environmental factors, including,for example, a hot air panel, a cold air panel, an indirect and/ordirect pre-cooler associated with one or several condensers, a solarattic ventilator, a solar fan, an economizer cycle, a ventilator,traumwalls, an attachable and/or detachable eaves, geothermal wells,which can be located, for example, in ground loops or under a floor,and/or any other technology.

In some embodiments, the multiplatform HVAC control system can beconfigured to advantageously use structural environmental conditions tominimize energy consumption. In some embodiments, the multiplatform HVACcontrol system can be configured to use, for example, waste heat, lowand/or high humidity, or any other condition within the structure tominimize energy consumption. Advantageously, the use of a multiplatformHVAC control system can allow the capture and use of the, until now,largely ignored sources of available energy. This energy can be used forheating and for cooling and can decrease the high cost and energyconsumption associated with the use of, for example, conventional heatpumps, natural gas, electric heating, or other heating and coolingsystems.

In some embodiments, the multiplatform HVAC control system can sense aparameter of a controlled area such as, for example, a structure, aroom, a container, or any other desired area. In some embodiments, thisparameter can be, for example, a temperature, a relative humidity, orany other parameter.

In some embodiments, the multiplatform HVAC control system can comparethe parameter of the controlled area with a desired parameter for thecontrolled area. This desired parameter can be a fixed value, orvariable. In some embodiments, this parameter can be set with an inputdevice, such as, for example, a thermostat. In some embodiments, thisdesired parameter could be any value between 0 to 200 degreesFahrenheit, 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit,or in any other desired numbers. Similarly, in some embodiments, thisdesired parameter could be between 0 and 100 percent relative humidity,between 15 and 80 percent relative humidity, between 25 and 60 percentrelative humidity, between 35 and 50 percent relative humidity, or anyother desired relative humidity percent. The comparison of the sensedparameter of the controlled area with the desired parameter of thecontrolled parameter can determine if the sensed parameter is within adesignated range of the desired parameter. This range can be, within 30percent of the desired parameter, within 20 percent of the desiredparameter, within 10 percent of the desired parameter, within 5 percentof the desired parameter, within 1 percent of the desired parameter, orwithin any other range relative to the desired parameter. In oneembodiment, this range can be expressed as a temperature, such as, forexample, a within 20 degrees Fahrenheit, within 10 degrees Fahrenheit,within 5 degrees Fahrenheit, within 1 degrees Fahrenheit, or within anyother desired temperature. In some embodiments, this range can be arelative humidity, such as, for example, within 30 percent relativehumidity, within 20 percent relative humidity, within 10 percentrelative humidity, within 5 percent relative humidity, within 1 percentrelative humidity, or within any other range of relative humidity. Ifthe sensed parameter is within the specified range of the desiredparameter, then, for example, the multiplatform HVAC control system ofsome embodiments may take no action and await a sensed parameter outsideof the specified range of the desired parameter.

If the sensed parameter is outside of the specified range of the desiredparameter, some embodiments of the multiplatform HVAC control system cansense a parameter of an area outside the controlled area, such as, forexample, the environment in which the structure is located. Thisparameter can include, for example, the outdoor temperature, outdoorrelative humidity, a solar parameter such as, for example, insolation,the heating or cooling ability of a geothermal system, or any otherparameter. The sensed parameter of the area outside the controlled areais compared to the sensed parameter for the controlled area and thedesired parameter for the controlled area. Based on the relativepositioning of the sensed parameter of the area outside the controlledarea to the sensed parameter of the controlled and the desired parameterof the controlled area, a method of changing the parameter of thecontrolled area is selected. Thus, based on the parameter of the areaoutside the controlled area, a method of heat and/or energy transfer isselected which can, for example, bring the sensed parameter into thedesired range with the least amount of energy. This can include, forexample, mixing air from outside the controlled area with air inside thecontrolled area, solar heating, evaporative cooling, use of a heat pump,or any other technique to transfer heat and/or energy.

Some embodiments relate to methods and materials for improving theheating and cooling efficiency of structures, for example, by utilizingan improved insulation methodology. Also, some embodiments relate tostructures, including for example, manufactured structures and modularstructures such as manufactured homes and modular homes. In some aspectsthe methods can provide improved insulation of the structures includingby minimizing adverse moisture and/or by ensuring sufficient circulationto ensure fresh air, etc.

Traditional insulation techniques often involve the use of “cavity”insulation, or in other words, the insertion of insulation between wallstuds and between rafters on ceilings. The cavity insulation methods canbe inefficient due to significant loss of temperature, such as heat,through conduction via the studs and rafters. Furthermore, infiltrationleads to significant loss of or change of temperature via gaps and otheropenings that occur in structures, particularly as structures age,settle, etc.

Thus, some embodiments relate to the surprising and unexpected methods,materials and structures for improving the heating and coolinginsulation of homes, including in some aspects with no adverse effectsdue to excess moisture (e.g., mold) and/or to lack of circulated air.The methods can include wrapping or sealing a structure such as amodular or manufactured home on the exterior portion of the frame withan insulative material. In some aspects the insulative material iscontinuous in the sense that it covers the entire exterior region,except doors and windows, for example. The insulative material also canbe included on the exterior of the foundation. In some aspects theinsulative material can be a material at least in part made fromBiaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET; e.g., Mylar), forexample a single or dual sided Mylar product. For example, the p2000product sold by P2000 systems and Proactive Technology Inc. In someembodiments traditional cavity insulation can be used in addition to thewrap material, while in others no cavity insulation is required or used,if desired.

As one example, a structure can be illustrated by the following exampleof a modular home. It should be understood that the methods, materialand structure can be applied to other structures besides modular homes,for example, manufactured homes, non-manufactured homes, mobile homes,etc. In the non-limiting example, the modular home is “wrapped” in P2000insulation material by contacting or attaching the P2000 material to oneor more of: the exterior side of the studs, the exterior of the joists,the exterior of the rafters, underside or exterior the floor studs andthe exterior of the foundation. It should be understood that thematerial can be configured so as to not cover things such as windows,doors, vents, etc. The contacted or attached insulative material canthen be covered with one or more additional exterior materials orcoverings. For example, the walls can be covered with one or more ofplywood, weather coating, concrete, stucco, paint, etc. The joist orrafter insulative material can be covered by one or more of plywood,tar, weather coating, paint, stone, shingles, etc. Similar exteriorcoatings or treatments can be applied to the floor and foundationinsulative material, if desired. The methods further can includeconfiguring the modular home for proper ventilation and airflow. Anexample of a minimum airflow is 70-200 cubic feet per minute (CFM), insome aspects 85-150 CFM or in some aspects about 100 CFM, for example,all for at least 8-15 hours per day, or in some aspects for at least10-13 hours per day, or in some aspects for at least about 12 hours perday. In some embodiments, the insulative material can be contacted,attached, adhered to concrete structures such as foundations using anysuitable technique. For example, the insulative material can bepositioned prior to pouring the concrete foundation such that uponpouring it will contact and stick to the concrete. In some aspects theinsulative material can be implemented with integrated concrete formtechnologies, for example.

Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the structures utilizing theabove-described methods exhibit improved avoidance of loss due toconduction and/or infiltration.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of oneembodiment of a HVAC system 100 that may be implemented with amultiplatform control system. The HVAC system 100 includes an aircirculation system 130 that is fluidly coupled with a structure 102. Thestructure 102 may be any structure, including, for example, a house,barn, garage, storage facility, industrial structure, commercialbuilding, and/or place of worship. The structure 102 includes a mainspace 101, an attic space 103 disposed over the main portion, and anoptional lower space 104 disposed below the main portion. The lowerspace 104 may include, for example, a cellar, basement, or crawl space.In some embodiments, the main space 101 is fluidly coupled to the atticspace 103 by one or more vents or openings 121. As discussed in moredetail below, vents 121 may be barometric vents configured to open orclose depending on pressure conditions. For example, the vents 121 maybe configured to open when the pressure of the main space 101 is above acertain pre-determined value and/or to close when the pressure of themain space 101 is below the pre-determined value.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the attic space 103 may include one or morevents 123 configured to provide a fluid conduit from the attic space 103to the environment outside of structure 102. In some embodiments, theattic vents 123 can be produced by O'Hagin's, Inc. of Rohnert Park,Calif. The attic vents 123 can be controlled independently from vents121 disposed between the attic space 103 and the main space 101 suchthat attic vents 123 may be closed when the vents 121 are open and/ormay be open when the vents 121 are closed. In this way, the attic space103 can include at least four ventilation configurations. A firstconfiguration can include the attic vents 123 in a closed configurationand the vents 121 in a closed configuration. A second configuration caninclude the attic vents 123 in an open configuration and the vents 121in an open configuration. A third configuration can include the atticvents 123 in an open configuration and the vents 121 in a closedconfiguration. A fourth configuration can include the attic vents 123 ina closed configuration and the vents 121 in an open configuration.Further, in some embodiments, the vents 121 can be configured such thatat least one vent 121 is in an open configuration and such that at leastone other vent 121 is in a closed configuration. Similarly, attic vents123 can be configured such that at least one attic vent 123 is in anopen configuration and such that at least one other attic vent 123 is ina closed configuration. Thus, the attic space 103 may be controlled tooptionally exchange air or fluid with the main space 101 and/or theambient environment disposed outside of the structure 102.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the air circulation system 130 caninclude an air intake 132 configured to receive ambient air from outsidethe structure 102 and an air circulator disposed within a housing 136.The air circulator may be configured to direct air received through theintake 132 to the structure 102 by one or more supply vents, registerduct, or conduits 133. In some embodiments, the air circulator comprisesa centrifugal fan or squirrel-cage fan configured to direct air througha supply conduit 133 to the structure 102. Thus, the air circulationsystem 130 can be configured to pressurize the main space 101 ofstructure 102 by providing an air flow stream through supply conduit133.

In some embodiments, supply conduit 133 provides an air flow stream tothe main space 101 through one or more vents 135 disposed in the floorof the main space 101. In another embodiment, the air circulation system130 may be disposed within the lower space 104 of the structure 102 andthe air circulation system 130 is configured to provide an air flowstream to the main space 101 through one or more ducts 105 that arefluidly connected with the main space 101. In some embodiments, ducts105 are positioned, for example, under the crawl space 104 or in theattic space 103. As shown in FIG. 1, the air circulation system can alsoinclude one or more return conduits 137 configured to receive air fromthe main space 101 through one or more vents 138 and direct the receivedair to the housing 136. A controllable (e.g., motorized) damper orstopping mechanism 139 can be disposed within the return conduit 137 toopen or close the return conduit 137. Thus, the air circulation system130 can supply air to the structure 102 through the supply conduit 133and/or can receive air from structure 102 through return conduit 137depending on whether damper 139 is open or closed.

In some climatic conditions, it may be desirable to pre-cool ambient airthat is received by the air circulation system 130 through the intake132. Thus, a pre-cooling system 131 can optionally be disposed betweenthe intake 132 and the housing 136. The pre-cooling system 131 cancomprise various components configured to cool air that passestherethrough. In one embodiment, pre-cooling system 131 includes anevaporative cooling system that is configured to cool air that passestherethrough by transferring latent heat from the air to water. In someembodiments, pre-cooling system 131 can include direct, indirect, and/ordirect/indirect evaporative cooling system to control the amount ofwater that may optionally be added to air that passes therethrough. Forexample, a direct evaporative cooling system may be configured to coolair that passes therethrough and may add moisture to the air. In anotherexample, an indirect evaporative cooling system may be configured tocool air that passes therethrough without adding moisture to the air. Inyet another example, an indirect/direct evaporative cooling system maybe configured to cool air that passes therethrough by direct cooling,which may add moisture to the air, in a first step, and then indirectlycooling the air in a second step. Thus, the pre-cooling system 131 canbe configured to treat the temperature and specific humidity of air thatis received through the intake 132. In some embodiments, HVAC system 100optionally includes one or more filtering elements (not shown) disposedbetween the air intake 132 and the air circulator. The filteringelements can be configured to filter air that passes therethrough toseparate solid materials, for example, particulate matter, from airreceived through the intake 132.

Still referring to FIG. 1, one or more solar hot air modules 150 canoptionally be disposed within the structure 102 to transfer thermalenergy received from electromagnetic radiation (e.g., sunlight) to airdisposed within the structure 102. In one embodiment, a solar hot airmodule 150 is disposed within a wall of the main space 101 andconfigured to transfer thermal energy from sunlight incident thereon toair disposed within the main space 101. Examples of solar hot airmodules are described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/382,798which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Generally,solar hot air modules can include a solar module configured to receivethermal energy and a solar panel configured to transfer the receivedthermal energy to air that passes therethrough. The solar panel mayinclude one or more fans to draw air into the panel and one or morevents to exhaust heated air from the panel. Thus, the one or more solarhot air modules 150 can be configured to heat air within the structure102 during the day time.

The HVAC system schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 may further includeone or more sensors 140 disposed within the main space 101 and/or one ormore sensors 142 disposed within the attic space 103. The sensors 140,142 can be configured to sense an air temperature within the main space101 or attic space 103 and/or relative humidity levels within the mainspace 101 or attic space 103. The sensors 140, 142 may provide thesensed characteristics (e.g., temperature and/or relative humidity) tocontrol circuitry (not shown) configured to control the HVAC system 100.Based on the sensed characteristics, the control circuitry may adjustvarious components and/or systems of the HVAC system 100 to changeclimactic conditions within the structure 102. When the HVAC system 100is part of a multiplatform system including a conventional heat pump(not shown) and/or other components, the control circuitry may controlthe various components of the multiplatform system to maximize theefficiency and/or minimize energy consumption of the multiplatformsystem.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in some implementations, HVAC system100 may be configured to cool structure 102 when the temperature of airoutside the structure 102 is below a predetermined value. For example,in one embodiment, HVAC system 100 may be configured to cool thestructure 102 when the outside air temperature is below about 70 degreesFahrenheit. In this embodiment, the air circulator disposed withinhousing 136 may be configured to draw outside air in through intake 132.The received air may be directed to the main space 103 through supplyconduit 133 and vents 135. The air circulator may be configured toprovide the air to the structure 102 at an air flow rate sufficient topressurize the structure 102 relative to the surrounding environment. Asa result, air within the main space 101 that is warmer than the air 111provided through vents 135 may rise to the top of the main space 101 andbe forced into the attic space 101 through vents 121. Similarly, air 113in the attic space 101 that is warmer than the air received throughvents 121 may be exhausted through the attic vents 123. Thus, the aircirculator may continuously provide air into the structure 102 that isbelow the predetermined value to force warmer air out of the structure102 in order to cool the structure 102.

In another embodiment, HVAC system 100 may be configured to cool thestructure 102 when the outside temperature is above a firstpredetermined value but below a second predetermined value. For example,in one embodiment, HVAC system 100 may be configured to cool thestructure 102 when the outside air temperature is above about 70 degreesFahrenheit and below about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In this embodiment,the air circulator disposed within housing 136 may be configured to drawoutside air in through intake 132. The received air may be cooled by apre-cooling system 131 before passing through housing 136 to supplyconduit 133 such that the air is below a third predetermined value. Asdiscussed above, the pre-cooling system 131 may optionally be configuredto add moisture to air received through the intake 132 in extremely dryclimates. The cooled air may then be directed to the main space 103through vents 135. The air circulator may be configured to provide theair to the structure 102 at an air flow rate sufficient to pressurizethe structure 102 relative to the surrounding environment. As a result,air within the main space 101 that is warmer than the air 111 providedthrough vents 135 may rise to the top of the main space 101 and beforced into the attic space 101 through vents 121. Similarly, air 113 inthe attic space 101 that is warmer than the air received through vents121 may be exhausted through the attic vents 123. Thus, the aircirculator may continuously provide air into the structure 102 that isbelow the third predetermined value to force warmer air out of thestructure 102 in order to cool the structure 102. In another embodiment,HVAC system 100 may be configured to cool the structure 102 withoutdrawing in outside air, for example, when outside air is above apredetermined value. For example, air circulation system 130 may includea direct, indirect, and/or indirect/direct cooling system disposedwithin housing 136 and damper 139 may be opened to allow the aircirculation system 130 to cycle air from the house through the coolingsystem in a closed loop.

In yet another embodiment, HVAC system 100 may be configured to heat thestructure 102 when the outside is below a predetermined value. Forexample, hot air solar module 150 may be configured to transfer thermalenergy from sunlight during the day to air within the main space 101. Tomaintain the temperature within the main space 101, vents 121 may beclosed to prevent heated air from exhausting to the attic space 103.Additionally, attic vents 123 may be closed to prevent the exhaust ofwarm air from the attic space 101. In this way, the solar hot air module150 may warm the main space 101 of structure 102 during the day. In someconditions, it may be desirable to circulate ambient air from outsidethe structure 102 via the air circulation system 130 to prevent the mainspace 101 from getting too warm. In one embodiment, the vents 121 may beclosed, solar hot air module 150 may operate to warm the main space 101,damper 139 may be opened, and the air circulator may be configured toslowly circulate ambient air through main space 101 to keep thetemperature within the main space above a first predetermined value andbelow a second predetermined value. In this configuration, the atticvents 123 may be closed to maintain a desired temperature within theattic space 103 to slow the loss of heat from the attic space 103 atnight when the solar hot air module 150 is not operative.

In some configurations, it may be desirable to maintain a warmtemperature within the main space 101 while allowing air from the atticspace 103 to exhaust to the outside environment. Thus, vents 121 may beclosed to prevent the exhausting of warm air from the main space 101 tothe attic space 103 and the attic vents 123 may be open to allow warmair from the attic space to exhaust to the outside environment. In thisconfiguration, the attic space 103 may act as a heat cycle to transferthermal energy from the main space 101 to cooler air that enters theattic space 103 through attic vents 123. In some embodiments, warmthfrom the attic space 103 may infiltrate the main space 101 through theceiling. In this way, thermal energy from the relatively warm atticspace 101 air may transfer to the main space 101 by thermal transferencesimilar to an inversion layer effect. In some embodiments, the highertemperature air may transfer by convection.

The embodiments discussed above relate to exemplary embodiments of HVACsystems 100 that may be configured to cool and/or heat structure 102. Aperson having ordinary skill in the art will understand that thefeatures disclosed herein can be implemented in a multitude of differentways to affect the climactic conditions within a given structure (e.g.,to heat, cool, and/or control the specific humidity of air within thestructure). For example, the air circulation system 130 discussed abovecan be supplemented with a conventional heat pump to cool/heat structure102 and/or can be configured to alternately operate with other HVACcomponents (e.g., a heat pump system). Further, a person having ordinaryskill in the art will understand that the efficiency of the systemsdisclosed herein can be buttressed by the implementation of passivesolar building designs configured to reduce the energy required to heatand/or cool a given structure.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A-2F, block diagrams schematically illustratingvarious example applications for the HVAC system of FIG. 1 are provided.FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a first example application for theHVAC system of FIG. 1 for situations when the temperature for airoutside the structure range between about 75 and about 90 degreesFahrenheit at night with a relative humidity of less than about 30%(e.g., during summer month and/or summer transition month). In thisapplication, a thermostat within the structure may call for the mainspace to be cooled to a temperature of between about 65 and about 70degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 201 a. Control circuitry mayreceive this input information and call for information from one or moresensors as to whether air outside the structure has a temperature ofbetween about 75 and about 90 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 203a. Additionally, the control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to whether the relative humidity of air outside thestructure is less than about 30% as indicated by block 209 a. If eitherof these parameters is not met, the control circuitry may call for aheat pump to run in order to cool the structure as indicated by block205 a. On the other hand, if both of the parameters are met, the controlcircuitry may call for the air control system to pressurize the mainspace of the structure with air from outside the structure as shown byblock 211 a. Additionally, the air control system may pre-cool theoutside air before directing it into the structure as indicated by block213 a. In some implementations, an attic space may include one or morefans to force air from the attic space to the surrounding environment.In these implementations, the control circuitry may call for the atticspace fans to run when a temperature of the attic space is above about80 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 215 a. In some embodiments ofHVAC systems and/or control systems may include a manual overridefunction as shown by block 207 a to override the automatic and/orprogrammed selections of the control circuitry.

FIG. 2B schematically illustrates a second example application for theHVAC system of FIG. 1 for daytime operation during the summer and/or asummer transition month. In this application, a thermostat within thestructure may call for the main space to be cooled to a temperature ofbetween about 65 and about 75 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 201b. Control circuitry may receive this input information and call forinformation from one or more sensors as to whether air outside thestructure has a temperature of less than about 75 degrees Fahrenheit asshown by block 203 b. Additionally, the control circuitry may call forinformation from one or more sensors as to whether the relative humidityof air outside the structure is less than about 30% as indicated byblock 209 b. If the relative humidity is less than about 30%, thecontrol circuitry may call for the air circulation system to pressurizethe main space of the structure with air from outside the structure asindicated by block 213 b. In some configurations, the air circulationsystem may include a pre-cooling system as discussed above to pre-coolthe air received by the air circulation system. If the relative humidityis greater than about 30%, the control circuitry may optionally call fora heat pump to run in order to cool the structure to the desiredtemperature as indicated by block 205 b. In some implementations, anattic space may include one or more fans to force air from the atticspace to the surrounding environment. In these implementations, thecontrol circuitry may call for the attic space fans to run when atemperature of the attic space is above about 80 degrees Fahrenheit asshown by block 215 b. In some embodiments of HVAC systems and/or controlsystems may include a manual override function as shown by block 207 bto override the automatic and/or programmed selections of the controlcircuitry.

FIG. 2C schematically illustrates a third example application for theHVAC system of FIG. 1 for nighttime operation during the summer indesert, coastal, and/or mountain climates where the nighttimetemperatures are less than about 65 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 hours ormore and the relative humidity is less than about 30%. In thisapplication, a thermostat within the structure may call for the mainspace to be cooled to a temperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit asshown by block 201 c. Control circuitry may receive this inputinformation and call for information from one or more sensors as towhether air outside the structure has a temperature of less than about70 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 203 c. If the outside airtemperature is less than about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the controlcircuitry may call for the ventilation systems damper to open and theair circulation system to pressurize the main space of the structurewith air from outside the structure as indicated by block 213 c. If thethermostat within the structure indicates that the temperature withinthe structure is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the control circuitry maycall for the air circulation system to run at a diminished capacity, forexample, half speed, as shown by block 217 c to maintain a main spacetemperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit without significant overcooling. Conversely, if the outside air temperature is greater thanabout 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the control circuitry may call for the heatpump to cool the main space to a temperature of about 60 degreesFahrenheit as shown by block 205 c. In such a situation, the outside airtemperature would not be low enough to cool the main space to atemperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In some implementations, anattic space may include one or more fans to force air from the atticspace to the surrounding environment. In these implementations, thecontrol circuitry may call for the attic space fans to run when atemperature of the attic space is above a certain pre-determined value.However, when the outside air temperature is below about 65 degreesFahrenheit and the thermostat calls for cooling of about 60 degrees, theattic space fans will be shut off by the control circuitry as indicatedby block 215 c. In some embodiments of HVAC systems and/or controlsystems may include a manual override function as shown by block 207 cto override the automatic and/or programmed selections of the controlcircuitry.

FIG. 2D schematically illustrates a fourth example application for theHVAC system of FIG. 1 for operation in coastal or other climates withnighttime temperatures greater than about 75 degrees Fahrenheit andrelative humidity greater than about 30%. In this application, athermostat within the structure may call for the main space to be cooledto a temperature of between about 65 and about 70 degrees Fahrenheit asshown by block 201 d. Control circuitry may receive this inputinformation and call for information from one or more sensors as towhether air outside the structure has a temperature of greater thanabout 75 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 203 d. If the outside airtemperature is less than about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the controlcircuitry may call for the air circulation system to pressurize the mainspace of the structure with air from outside the structure as indicatedby block 213 d. If the outside temperature is greater than about 75degrees Fahrenheit, the control circuitry may call for a heat pump tocool the main space as shown by block 205 d. To reduce the relativehumidity within the main space, the air cooled by the heat pump may bedehumidified as shown by block 227 d. Water that is separated from thecooled air may purified as shown by block 229 d to be used as potablewater and/or may be used for non-potable applications includinggreywater use, agricultural use, and/or toilet use, as indicated byreference numeral 231 d. In some embodiments in which chilled water isdesired, and as depicted in block 225 d, an air-to-water heat pump cancool water. Waste heat from the heat pump may be harnessed to heatdomestic water within the structure as indicated by block 223 d and/ormay be exhausted outside the structure. The attic space may include oneor more fans that are controlled by the control circuitry to run duringthe daytime when an attic space temperature sensor indicates that theair temperature within the attic space is greater than about 80 degreesFahrenheit.

FIG. 2E schematically illustrates a fifth example application for theHVAC system of FIG. 1 for operation in desert or other climates withrelative humidity of less than about 30%. In this application, athermostat within the structure may call for the main space to be cooledto a temperature of between about 70 and about 75 degrees Fahrenheit asshown by block 201 e. Control circuitry may receive this inputinformation and call for information from one or more sensors as towhether air outside the structure has a temperature of greater thanabout 90 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 203 e. If the outside airtemperature is less than about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the controlcircuitry may call for the air circulation system to pressurize the mainspace of the structure with air from outside the structure as indicatedby block 213 e. If the outside temperature is greater than about 90degrees Fahrenheit, the control circuitry may receive an input from oneor more sensors regarding the relative humidity of the outside air asindicated by block 209 e. If the relative humidity of the outside air isless than about 30%, the control circuitry may call for the heat pumpfan to draw air through a pre-cooling system as indicated by block 250 eto cool the received air. The fan may then distribute this cooled airthroughout the main space without the use of the heat pump compressor asindicated by block 252 e. A person having ordinary skill in the art willalso appreciate that if the relative humidity of the outside air isgreater than about 30%, the control circuitry may call for the heat pumpto cool the main space with the use of the compressor (not shown). Theattic space may include one or more fans that are controlled by thecontrol circuitry to run during certain situations. As shown by block215 e, when the heat pump fan is operating the attic space fans may benon-operative. In some embodiments of HVAC systems and/or controlsystems may include a manual override function as shown by block 207 eto override the automatic and/or programmed selections of the controlcircuitry.

FIG. 2F schematically illustrates a sixth example application for theHVAC system of FIG. 1 for operation during a winter day. In thisapplication, a thermostat within the structure may call for the mainspace to be heating to a temperature of between about 70 and about 75degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 201 f. Control circuitry mayreceive this input information and call for information from one or moresensors as to whether air outside the structure has a temperature ofless than about 70 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 203 f. If theoutside temperature is less than about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, thecontrol circuitry will not call for the air circulation system topressurize the main space with outside air and the return conduit damperwill be closed as shown by block 213 f. Also, if the outside temperatureis less than about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the control circuitry willcall for the solar hot air module to transfer thermal energy to the airwithin the main space as shown by block 269 f. If the solar hot airmodule is unable to sufficiently heat the air within the main space,thermal energy may be transferred from hot water to air within the mainspace. For example, solar hot water (e.g., water heated by solar heatingsystems) may be provided as shown by block 261 f and directed through aheating coil element to transfer thermal energy from the solar hot waterto air within the main space as shown by block 263 f. If solar hot wateris not available but another hot water source is available, as shown byblock 265 f, this water may also be provided to the heating coil elementto heat the main space. Lastly, a heat pump disposed in another portionof the structure and/or the main space may be configured to heat themain space as shown by block 267 f. The attic space may include one ormore fans that are controlled by the control circuitry to run duringcertain situations. As shown by block 215 f, when the thermostat callsfor heating, the attic space fans or vents may be non-operative toconserve thermal energy within the structure. In some embodiments ofHVAC systems and/or control systems may include a manual overridefunction as shown by block 207 f to override the automatic and/orprogrammed selections of the control circuitry.

Turning now to FIG. 3A, a top plan view of one embodiment of a HVACsystem 300 a is schematically illustrated. The system 300 a includes astructure 302 a that includes a main space 301 a. The HVAC system 300 acan be configured to heat and/or cool the main space 301 a to a desiredtemperature. The main space 301 a includes a thermostat 357 a that maybe part of a control system including control circuitry to controland/or regulate the various components of the HVAC system 300 a. Thesystem 300 a further includes at least one warm air vent 335 a, at leastone barometric vent 323 a, at least one upduct 321 a, and optionallyincludes at least one heat source 338 a. Warm air may be provided to themain space 301 a by at least one fan 351 a. The fan 351 a may receivewarm air from any suitable source, for example, a solar hot air module,a hydronic coil, and/or a heat pump. The warm air directed by the fan351 a may be received in the main space 301 a through the warm air vents335 a. Similar to the HVAC system 100 of FIG. 1, warm air that isreceived within the main space 301 a may be maintained within the mainspace 301 a by configuring the barometric vents 323 a and the upducts321 a to remain closed during heating cycles. Additionally, colder airthat sinks to the bottom of the main space 301 a may be drawn from themain space 301 a by one or more conduits to increase the heat of themain space. Further, HVAC system 300 a may harness waste heat from thevarious heat sources 338 a within the main space to further improve theheating efficiency of the system 300 a. Heat sources 338 a may includeany heat source disposed within the main space 301 a of a structure 302a, including, for example, televisions, computer hardware, electricappliances, gas appliances, and/or living beings (e.g., farm animals).Heat from the heat sources 338 a may be directed to the main space 301 ainstead of to an overlying attic space to increase the temperaturewithin the main space without requiring additional energy. As indicatedin FIG. 3A, system 300 a may further include at least one exteriorsensor to provide at least one outside air characteristic to the controlcircuitry.

Turning now to FIG. 3B, HVAC system 300 a of FIG. 3A is schematicallyillustrated again. In contrast to FIG. 3A, HVAC system 300 a in FIG. 3Bis configured to provide cooling to the structure 302 a. Instead of asource of warm air, fan 351 a is configured to receive air that iscooler than the air within the main space 301 a from a source of coolair. The source of cool air may comprise any suitable source, forexample, a heat pump, an evaporative cooling system, and/or a systemconfigured to circulate ambient air from outside the structure 302 awithin the main space 301 a. When the source of cool air includesambient air provided to the main space 301 a at a flow rate sufficientto increase the pressure of the structure 302 a relative to the outsideenvironment, barometric vents 323 a and upducts 321 a are configured tobe open to allow warmer air to exhaust to an overlying attic space. Inthis way, pressurizing the main space 301 a may provide cooler air tothe main space 301 a and drive relatively warmer air out of thestructure 302 a through attic vents (not shown). Additionally, insteadof harnessing waste heat from the heat sources 338 a, waste heat mayalso be exhausted through the attic to maintain a desired temperaturewithin the main space 302 a.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an attic space ventilation system 400that can be incorporated with the various HVAC systems disclosed herein.System 400 includes a module 480 that is configured to draw in ambientair from outside an attic space 403 while exhausting air from within theattic space 403. In this way, the air temperature within the attic space403 may be regulated by system 400. In one implementation, module 480includes at least one fan configured to draw air into the attic space403 at a certain flow rate and at least one vent configured to allow forthe egress of air from the attic space 403 at the certain flow rate. Theattic space ventilation system 400 may be useful during situations whenit is desirable to cool an attic space. For example, attic space 403 mayinclude air having a temperature above a certain value while thetemperature of air outside the attic space 403 is below the certainvalue. The module 480 may draw in air that is relatively colder than airwithin the attic space 403, this air may sink toward the bottom mostportion of the attic space 403, and the input of air from outside theattic space 403 may force warmer air out of the module 480 resulting ina cooling effect.

FIGS. 5A-5C schematically illustrate an embodiment of an attic spaceventilation system 500 configured to operate in three differentapplications. Attic space ventilation system 500 includes a first set ofinput vents 501 disposed on a roof 504 of a structure 502. Attic spaceventilation system 500 also includes output vents 503 disposed on roof504. Input vents are configured to provide ingress to an attic space ofstructure 502 and output vents are configured to provide egresstherefrom. Attic space ventilation system 500 may also include one ormore fans (not shown) disposed underneath the input vents 501 andconfigured to draw air from outside the structure 502 through the inputvents 501 and into the underlying attic space. In this configuration,the air drawn in through input vents 501 may force air within the atticspace through the output vents 503 to the surrounding environment. Asdiscussed in more detail below, the flow rate of air through the atticspace may be selectively controlled by control circuitry depending on adesired attic space temperature. Further, input vents 501 and outputvents 503 may be controlled to open, close, partially open, and/orpartially close, to regulate the flow rate of air therethrough. Theattic space may include one or more sensors, for example, RF sensors,configured to provide a signal to the control circuitry such that othercomponents of an HVAC system may be regulated based on the providedsignal.

FIG. 5A illustrates attic space ventilation system 500 configured tooperate in a winter day application. In this application, the system 500may be controlled to cycle air through the attic space when the airtemperature within the attic space is greater than about 80 degreesFahrenheit. The attic space ventilation system 500 may also becontrolled to not cycle air through the attic space when the airtemperature within the attic space is less than about 80 degreesFahrenheit in order to maintain a desired temperature within thestructure 502. The attic space ventilation system 500 may be configuredto not cycle air through the attic space by not operating the one ormore fans and/or by closing off the input vents 501 and output vents503.

FIG. 5B illustrates attic space ventilation system 500 configured tooperate in a summer night application. During a summer night, an HVACsystem may cool the structure 502 by pressurizing the structure 502 withoutside air that is cooler than air within the structure 502 asdiscussed above with reference to FIG. 1. In such a configuration, it isdesirable to exhaust air from a main space of the structure 502 to theattic space and exhaust air from the attic space through outlet vents503 to the surrounding environment. Thus, in one implementation, it maybe desirable to not draw air in through input vents 501 during a summernight so as to not interfere with a process of cooling structure 502.However, an overall control system that may include control circuitrymay control the attic space ventilation system and any other systemconfigured to cool the structure 502 to limit the overall energyrequired to cool the structure 502 to a desired temperature. Thus, insome implementations the attic space ventilation system 500 may beconfigured to cycle air through an attic space during a summer night.

FIG. 5C illustrates attic space ventilation system 500 configured tooperate in a summer day application. During a summer day, a sensorwithin the attic space may determine the temperature of air containedwithin the attic space. If the temperature of the air within the atticspace is above about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the attic space ventilationsystem 500 may be configured to cool the attic space by exhaustingrelatively warm air through outlet vents 503 while drawing in relativelycooler air from outside the structure 502 through input vents 501.Conversely, if the temperature within the attic space is below about 80degrees Fahrenheit, the attic space ventilation system 500 may becontrolled by control circuitry to not cycle air through the atticspace.

As discussed above, some embodiments disclosed herein relate tomultiplatform HVAC control systems for various structures, including forexample, commercial structures. Certain structures, for example,restaurants (e.g., coffee shops), include abundant sources of air thatincludes significant amounts of thermal energy and/or water. Asdiscussed in more detail below, the thermal energy may be harnessed todecrease the amount of energy required for HVAC and/or hot water heatingin such structures. Additionally, the water may be harnessed to decreasethe amount of water supplied by other sources (e.g., public utilitycompanies). In some embodiments, a multiplatform HVAC control system maybe configured to harness waste heat during winter months to provideheating capabilities to one or more spaces within a structure. In someembodiments, a multiplatform HVAC control system may be configured toharness waste heat during summer months to heat water for domestic use.In some embodiments, a multiplatform HVAC control system may beconfigured to draw water from one or more sources of waste heat to usethe drawn water for various applications.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a hydronic system used in connectionwith one embodiment of a multiplatform control system. A hydronic systemcan comprise a variety of components configured for, among other things,collection, generation, and distribution of heat within a structure aswell as between the interior volume of a structure and the structure'ssurroundings. Components of a hydronic system can, for example, befurther configured for temperature control and humidity control of air.As depicted in FIG. 6, one exemplary embodiment of a hydronic systemcomprises a heat pump 610. A heat pump 610 can be an air-to-air heatpump, an air-to-liquid heat pump, or any other configuration of heatpump. A heat pump can be configured to transfer heat from a heat sourceto a heat sink. A heat pump can function by manipulating the pressure ofa working liquid to control the temperature of the working liquid and tothereby facilitate transfer of heat from a heat source to a heat sink. Aheat pump can comprise a compressor for increasing the pressure of theworking fluid and an expansion valve for decreasing the pressure of aworking fluid. A heat pump can further comprise an evaporator forabsorbing heat from a heat source and a condenser for transferring heatto a heat sink.

In some embodiments, a heat pump 610 can be configured to pump heat fromair surrounding the heat pump into another area or medium. A heat pump610 can also be configured, for example, to remove moisture from theair. In some embodiments, a heat pump 610 can have evaporator coilslocated in thermal contact with air surrounding the heat pump andcondenser coils located in thermal contact with a cooling liquid. In oneembodiment of a heat pump 610, the cooling liquid can be water used fordomestic and heating purposes.

A hydronic system can further comprise a plurality of tanks. These tankscan, for example, store water used to cool the condenser coils of theheat pump 610. In some embodiments, this water can be sufficientlyheated to be used as domestic hot water or to be used in heating. FIG. 6depicts a first domestic tank 620, a second domestic tank 630, and ahydronic tank 640. As depicted in FIG. 6, a first or second domestictank 620, 630, or both tanks, can be connected with the some aspects ofa heat pump 610. In one embodiment, liquid from the first and/or seconddomestic tank 620, 630 is thermally connected with the condenser coilsof the heat pump 610. The first and/or second domestic tank 620, 630 canadditionally be thermally connected with other components of a heat pump610, such as, for example, the compressor, the expansion valve, or anyother component that generates heat. This thermal connection can be usedto simultaneously heat the liquid from the first and/or second domestictank 620, 630 and to assist in cooling the components with which thefirst and/or second domestic tank 620, 630 are thermally connected. Insome embodiments, the first and/or second domestic tank 620, 630 can beconfigured with electric backup heating elements 622, 632. The electricbackup heating elements 622, 632 can maintain the desired watertemperature when the heat pump 610 is not sufficiently heating thewater. As depicted in FIG. 6, the hydronic system can include a supplyof cold water, for example, a 1 and ½ inch diameter pipe.

In some embodiments, one or more of the tanks can be configured for useas a heat exchanger, for example, the second domestic tank 630 can beconfigured for use as a heat exchanger. In some aspects of a tankconfigured for use as a heat exchanger, the tank can comprise a coldliquid inlet, a dip tube, a cold liquid outlet, and a warm liquid inlet.In some configurations, a tank can be configured with a cold liquidoutlet. In some embodiments, the cold liquid outlet can be locatedtowards the bottom of the tank. The cold liquid outlet can fluidlyconnect to an air-to-water heat pump. In some embodiments, the coldliquid outlet can fluidly connect to an air-to-water heat pump throughat least one pump configured to pressurize the liquid. In some furtherembodiments in which a tank is configured for use as a heat exchanger,the heat pump can additionally fluidly connect with the warm water inletof the tank. In some embodiments, this warm water inlet can be locatedtowards the top of the tank.

A tank configured for use as a heat exchanger can further include a coldliquid inlet configured for allowing ingress of cold liquid into thetank. In some embodiments, the cold liquid inlet can be located towardsthe bottom of the tank. In alternative embodiments, the cold liquidinlet can be located towards the top of the tank and fluidly connectedwith the bottom of the tank by a dip tube. A person skilled in the artwill recognize that the liquid inlets and outlets can be positioned in avariety of locations in the tank. A person of skill in the art willfurther recognize that fluid connection of cold liquid inlets to bottomregions of the tank and warm liquid inlets to upper regions of the tankcan assist in tank liquid temperature stratification. A person of skillin the art will further recognize that location of the cold liquidoutlet in bottom regions of the tank can assist in drawing cool liquidfrom the tank.

In tanks configured for use as a heat exchanger, liquid egresses thetank through the cold liquid outlet. The liquid, in some embodiments,passes through a heat exchanger, where the liquid can act as either aheat sink or heat source. Liquid can then, for example, return to thetank where the liquid can exchange heat with the surroundingenvironment.

Liquid in the first and/or second domestic tank 620, 630 can be heatedto a desired temperature. In some embodiments of a first and/or seconddomestic tank 620, 630, liquid can be heated to a temperature between 50and 500 degrees Fahrenheit, between 100 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit, orbetween 140 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. A person skilled in the art willrecognize that the temperature of the water depends on user needs.

In embodiments in which the heated liquid in the first and/or seconddomestic tank 620, 630 is water, the water from the first and/or seconddomestic tank 620, 630 can be used for domestic hot water purposes,including, for example, cooking, drinking, or cleaning.

A hydronic tank 640 can also store heated liquid. A hydronic tank 640can be thermally connected with a heat pump 610 or with liquid that isthermally connected with a heat pump 610. In FIG. 6, a heat exchanger642 thermally connects liquid from the hydronic tank 640 with liquidfrom the first and/or second domestic tank 620, 630. Through thisthermal connection, liquid from the first and/or second domestic tank620, 630 transfers heat from the heat pump to the liquid of the hydronictank 640.

A hydronic tank 640 can also be thermally connected, directly and/orindirectly, with one or more hydronic coils. In some embodiments,hydronic coils can be configured to transfer heat between the liquidfrom the hydronic tank 640 and another medium. As depicted in FIG. 6,hydronic tank 640 is thermally connected with a first hydronic coil 646,a second hydronic coil 648, a third hydronic coil 650, a fourth hydroniccoil 652, and a fifth hydronic coil 654. The different hydronic coils646, 648, 650, 652, 654 can be configured to transfer heat to differentareas. As depicted in FIG. 6, the first hydronic coil 646 can beconfigured to transfer heat to a dining seating area of a restaurant, afourth hydronic coil 652 can be configured to transfer heat to airvented from a heat pump, including heat pump 610, and a fifth hydroniccoil 654 can be configured to transfer to a heat pump and/or to thedining room of a restaurant.

The different hydronic coils 646, 648, 650, 652, 654 can be uniquely orintegrally thermally connected to a hydronic tank 640. In someembodiments, the hydronic tank 640 can be fluidly connected to thedifferent hydronic coils 646, 648, 650, 652, 654. FIG. 6 depicts oneembodiment in which the hydronic coils 646, 648, 650, 652, 654 arethermally connected to the hydronic tank 640 by heat exchanger 642. Asdepicted in FIG. 6, heat can be transferred from the liquid in thehydronic tank to liquid circulated through the hydronic coils 646, 648,650, 652, 654 through a heat exchanger 642.

A hydronic tank 640 can additionally be directly or indirectly thermallyconnected with heat dump 644. As depicted in FIG. 6, heat dump 644 canbe thermally connected through heat exchanger 642 with hydronic tank640. A heat dump 644 can be used to maintain an upper threshold ofliquid temperature in hydronic tank 640. In some embodiments, a heatdump 644 can comprise a heat exchanger for transferring heat from ahydronic tank 640 to another medium. As depicted in FIG. 6, one exampleof a heat dump can transfer heat between a hydronic tank 640 and air.

In addition to the specifically discussed features of a hydronic system,a hydronic system includes tubing connecting components of a hydronicsystem, valves, sensors, wires, electronic control equipment, as well asa variety of other known components. A hydronic system may beadditionally used in connection with one or more additional heat pumps.In some embodiments, additional heat pumps may be configured to provideadditional heating or cooling to air or liquid in connection with thehydronic system. In one embodiment, a hydronic system may be used inconnection with an air-to-air heat pump located in a dining area and asecond air-to-air heat pump located in proximity to heat pump 610. Aperson skilled in the art will recognize that a hydronic system is notlimited to the specific embodiments discussed above, but includes avariety of components in a variety of combinations.

FIGS. 7A-7L are block diagrams schematically illustrating variousapplications of the hydronic system of FIG. 6. FIG. 7A schematicallyillustrates a first example application for the hydronic system of FIG.6 for situations when the temperature for air outside the structure isless than about 35 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., during winter month). Inthis application a thermostat within the structure may call for thestructure interior, or portions thereof, to maintain a temperaturebetween approximately 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 702a. If this temperature has been achieved, control circuitry may call forthe system to idle as depicted in block 700 a. Control circuitry mayreceive this input information and call for information from one or moresensors as to whether the temperature of air outside the structure isless than approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 704 a.The control circuitry may then call for information from one or moresensors as to whether the relative humidity of air outside the structureis less than about 30% as indicated by block 710 a. If either or both ofthese parameters are not met, the control circuitry may call for a heatpump to run in order to heat the structure as indicated by block 706 a.For example, if the outside air temperature is greater thanapproximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity is lessthan approximately 30%, then an air circulation system opens and uses asupply fan to circulate external air into the structure as shown inblock 706 a. External air can then, in some embodiments, be raised tothe desired temperature range through the use of an air-to-air heat pumpor by hot air solar heating as depicted in block 708 a.

On the other hand, if both of the parameters are met, the controlcircuitry may call for aspects of a heat pump, such as an air-to-airheat pump with a hydronic coil supply to run. If both parameters aremet, control circuitry may call for information from one or more sensorsas to whether the liquid temperature in a hot liquid tank is greaterthan approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit as depicted in block 714 a. Ifthe sensors indicate that the temperature of the tank is greater thanapproximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted in block 712 a, thecontrol circuitry, in some embodiments, may call for the fan of anair-to-air heat pump to run, and for the compressor of the heat pump tobe off.

FIG. 7B schematically illustrates a second example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in a kitchen in situationswhen the temperature for air outside the structure is less than about 35degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., during winter month). In this application athermostat within the structure may call for the structure interior, orportions thereof, to maintain a set heat of approximately 65 degreesFahrenheit as shown by block 702 b. If this temperature has beenachieved, control circuitry may call for the system to idle as depictedin block 700 b. Control circuitry may receive this input information andcall for information from one or more sensors as to whether thetemperature of air outside the structure is less than approximately 65degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 704 b. The control circuitry maythen call for information from one or more sensors as to whether therelative humidity of air outside the structure is less than about 30% asindicated by block 710 b. If either or both of these parameters are notmet, the control circuitry may call for a heat pump to run in order toheat the structure as indicated by block 706 b. For example, if theoutside air temperature is greater than approximately 65 degreesFahrenheit and the relative humidity is less than approximately 30%,then an air circulation system opens and uses a supply fan to circulateexternal air into the structure as shown in block 706 b. External aircan then, in some embodiments, be raised to the desired temperaturerange through the use of, for example, hot air solar heating as depictedin block 708 b.

On the other hand, if both of the parameters are met, the controlcircuitry may call for aspects of a heat pump, such as an air-to-airheat pump with a hydronic coil supply to run. If both parameters aremet, control circuitry may call for information from one or more sensorsas to whether the liquid temperature in a hot liquid tank is greaterthan approximately 110 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit as depicted in block714 b. If the sensors indicate that the temperature of the tank isgreater than approximately 110 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted inblock 712 b, the control circuitry, in some embodiments, may call forthe fan of an air-to-air heat pump to run, and for the compressor of theheat pump to be off.

FIG. 7C schematically illustrates a third example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in a kitchen in situationsfor cloudy and/or rainy weather (e.g., during winter month). In thisapplication, heat can be recovered from the kitchen area by theair-to-water heat pump and distributed as directed. In this applicationa thermostat within the structure may call for the structure interior,or portions thereof, to maintain a set heat of approximately 65 degreesFahrenheit as shown by block 702 c. If this temperature has beenachieved, control circuitry may call for the system to idle as depictedin block 700 c. If on the other hand, this temperature has not beenachieved, the Control circuitry may receive this input information andcall for cooling by the air-to-water heat pump as shown in block 720C.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extract moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered as shown in block 722 c. In some embodiments,control circuitry can manage use or purification and use of waterrecovered from the air by the air-to-water heat pump. As shown in block724 c, water recovered from the dehumidification function can bepurified, and as shown in block 726 c, this recovered water can be usedin domestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7C, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 c when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is above approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to the water of the domestic hotwater tank. In addition to determining the temperature of the domestichot water tank, control circuitry can call for information from one ormore sensors as to the temperature of at least one hydronic hot watertank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added tothe hydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is abovesome preset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 c when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, when the temperature is above approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Inaddition to adding heat to at least one domestic tank or at least onehydronic tank, some embodiments can be configured with features to coolthese tanks if the temperatures exceed a threshold. As depicted in block744C, excess heat within either the at least one domestic tank or atleast one hydronic can be dissipated with a heat dump.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air as depicted in block 732 c. The amount ofreheating of exit air can be controlled by a thermostat and relatedcontrol circuitry, and can, as depicted in block 734 c, be maintained atapproximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The control circuitry canadditionally call for heating of additional spaces of a structure. Asdepicted in block 736 c, control circuitry may call for information fromone or more sensors relating to the temperature of the dining room. Asfurther indicated in 736 c, when temperatures are outside of some range,in this case between approximately 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, hotwater from a hydronic tank can be supplied to hydronic coils in anair-to-air heat pump as depicted in block 738 c. Control circuitry candirect the fan of the air-to-air heat pump to run and to therebycirculate room air around the heated hydronic coils and heat the room.Similarly, if a temperature within a second temperature zone is below aset point value, as indicated as approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit inblock 740 c, hot water from the hydronic tank can be supplied tohydronic coils in other air-to-air heat pump or alternative heattransfer devices.

FIG. 7D schematically illustrates a fourth example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in a kitchen in situationswith outside temperatures above approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit,relative humidity below approximately 30%, and clear skies (e.g., duringsummer transitional month). In this application, heat can be recoveredby the air-to-water heat pump from the kitchen and solar energy can becollected from outdoors. In this application a thermostat within thestructure may call for the structure interior, or portions thereof, tomaintain a set heat of approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit as shown byblock 702 d. If this temperature has been achieved, control circuitrymay call for the system to idle as depicted in block 700 d. If on theother hand, this temperature has not been achieved, the Controlcircuitry may receive this input information relating to outsidetemperature and conditions, and if the outside temperature andconditions exceed some predetermined threshold, which as depicted in 704d can be approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit, call for cooling by theair-to-water heat pump as shown in block 720 d.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extract moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered as shown in block 722 d. In some embodiments,control circuitry can manage use or purification and use of waterrecovered from the air by the air-to-water heat pump. As shown in block724 d, water recovered from the dehumidification function can bepurified, and as shown in block 726 d, this recovered water can be usedin domestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7D, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 d when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is above approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to the water of the domestic hotwater tank. In some configurations, heat to the domestic hot water tankcan be provided from external solar sources as depicted in block 750 d.In some embodiments, the external solar sources may provide sufficientenergy to attain and maintain adequate temperatures in the at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or the at least one hydronic water tank.Alternatively, the air-to-water heat pump can wholly or partiallysupplement solar energy in maintaining the liquid temperature in thesetanks.

In addition to determining the temperature of the domestic hot watertank, control circuitry can call for information from one or moresensors as to the temperature of the at least one hydronic hot watertank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added tothe hydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is abovesome preset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 d when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, when the temperature is above approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air as depicted in block 732 d. The amount ofreheating of exit air can be controlled by a thermostat and relatedcontrol circuitry, and can, as depicted in block 734 d, be maintained atapproximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The control circuitry canadditionally call for heating of additional spaces of a structure. Asdepicted in block 736 d, control circuitry may call for information fromone or more sensors relating to the temperature of the dining room. Asfurther indicated in 736 d, when temperatures are outside of some range,in this case between approximately 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, hotwater from a hydronic tank can be supplied to hydronic coils in anair-to-air heat pump as depicted in block 738 d. Control circuitry candirect the fan of the air-to-air heat pump to run and to therebycirculate room air around the heated hydronic coils and heat the room.Similarly, if a temperature within a second temperature zone is below aset point value, hot water from the hydronic tank can be supplied tohydronic coils in other air-to-air heat pump or alternative heattransfer devices. Additionally, if temperatures are above apredetermined threshold in another area of the structure, for example,above approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit as depicted in block 740 d,control circuitry can call for cooling and an air-to-air heat pumpthermally connected to the air of that warm area can run as depicted inblock 742 d.

FIG. 7E schematically illustrates a fifth example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in a kitchen in situationswith outside temperatures above approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit,relative humidity above approximately 30%, and clear skies (e.g., duringsummer transitional month). In this application, heat can be recoveredby the air-to-water heat pump from the kitchen and solar energy can becollected from outdoors. In this application a thermostat within thestructure may call for the structure interior, or portions thereof, tomaintain a set heat of approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit as shown byblock 702 e. If this temperature has been achieved, control circuitrymay call for the system to idle as depicted in block 700 e. If on theother hand, this temperature has not been achieved, the controlcircuitry may receive this input information relating to outsidetemperature and conditions, and if the outside temperature andconditions exceed some predetermined threshold, which as depicted in 704e can be approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit, call for cooling by theair-to-water heat pump as shown in block 720 e. Similarly, if thistemperature has been achieved, but the relative humidity within thebuilding is above 30%, as depicted in block 703 e, the control circuitrycan call for dehumidification by the air-to water heat pump as shown inblock 720 e.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extracts moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered as shown in block 722 e. In some embodiments,control circuitry can manage use or purification and use of waterrecovered from the air by the air-to-water heat pump. As shown in block724 e, water recovered from the dehumidification function can bepurified, and as shown in block 726 e, this recovered water can be usedin domestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7E, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 e when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is above approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to the water of the domestic hotwater tank. In some configurations, heat to the domestic hot water tankcan be provided from external solar sources as depicted in block 750 e.In some embodiments, the external solar sources may provide sufficientenergy to attain and maintain adequate temperatures in the at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or the at least one hydronic water tank.Alternatively, the air-to-water heat pump can wholly or partiallysupplement solar energy in maintaining the liquid temperature in thesetanks.

In addition to determining the temperature of the domestic hot watertank, control circuitry can call for information from one or moresensors as to the temperature of at least one hydronic hot water tank.When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added to thehydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is above somepreset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 e when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, when the temperature is above approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Inaddition to adding heat to the at least one domestic tank or at leastone hydronic tank, some embodiments can be configured with features tocool these tanks if the temperatures exceed a threshold. As depicted inblock 744 e, excess heat within either the at least one domestic tank orat least one hydronic can be dissipated with a heat dump.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air. Alternatively, if reheating is notdesired, hot water from a hot water tank is not used to heat a hydroniccoil in thermal communication with air exiting the air-to water heatpump. The reheating of exit air can be controlled by a thermostat andrelated control circuitry, and can, as depicted in block 734 e, bemaintained at approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As depicted in block732 e, if when temperatures are above a threshold, reheating is turnedoff and cooling is turned on.

The control circuitry can additionally call for heating or cooling ofadditional spaces of a structure. As depicted in block 736 e, controlcircuitry may call for information from one or more sensors relating tothe temperature of the dining room. As further indicated in 736 e, whentemperatures are above some range, in this case between approximately 65and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the control circuitry can stop flow of hotwater to hydronic coils in an air-to-air heat pump and direct therunning of the air-to-air heat pump to cool the area as depicted inblock 738 e. Similarly, if a temperature within a second temperaturezone is above a set point value, for example above approximately 78degrees Fahrenheit as depicted in block 740 e, hot water from thehydronic tank can be cut-off from hydronic coils of an air-to-air heatpump and control circuitry can call for cooling and for the running ofan air-to-air heat pump thermally connected to the air of that warm areaas depicted in block 742 e.

FIG. 7F schematically illustrates a sixth example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in situations with outsidetemperatures above approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit and with relativehumidity below approximately 30% (e.g., during summer transitionalmonth). In this application, heat can be recovered by the air-to-waterheat pump from the kitchen and solar energy can be collected. In thisapplication a thermostat within the structure may call for the structureinterior, or portions thereof, to maintain a set heat of approximately65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 702 f. In someconfigurations, the control circuitry can additionally receiveinformation relating to the relative humidity inside the structure. Asdepicted in block 703 f, the information relating to relative humiditycan also result in the control circuitry calling for dehumidification orcooling. Thus, in some embodiments, for example, cooling begins when theinternal temperature of the structure, or some portions thereof, exceedsa threshold, or when the internal relative humidity of the structure, orsome portions thereof, exceeds a threshold. If the desired internalconditions have been achieved, control circuitry may call for the systemto idle as depicted in block 700 f. If on the other hand, the desiredinternal conditions have not been achieved, the control circuitry mayreceive input information relating to outside temperature and conditionsand based on this information related to outside temperatures, coolthrough a variety of means. If the outside temperature is betweenapproximately 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted in 704 f, thecontrol circuitry can call for cooling. In some embodiments, controlcircuitry can manage an air-to-air heat pump in response to informationreceived relating to inside an outside temperatures and conditions. Inone embodiment, and as depicted in block 752 f, the control circuitrycan request the economizer damper on an air-to-air heat pump to open,for the supply fan to run, for the damper to solar hot air to close, andfor the economizer damper to outside air to close. The control circuitrycan further call for, as depicted in block 754 f, the indirect or directpre-cooler used in connection with the air-to-air heat pump to start,the supply fan to start, the compressor on the air-to-air heat pump tostop, and for the opening of the damper for indirect or direct coolingin the economizer. In other embodiments, the control circuitry can callfor any combination of the above mentioned conditions as well ascombinations of the opposite condition (e.g. opened and closed).

Additionally, the control circuitry may receive input informationrelating to outside conditions such as the relative humidity. Asdepicted in block 705 f, when the relative humidity is greater thanapproximately 30%, call for cooling by the air-to-water heat pump asshown in block 720 f.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extracts moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered. In some embodiments, control circuitry canmanage use or purification and use of water recovered from the air bythe air-to-water heat pump. Water recovered from the dehumidificationfunction can be purified, and this recovered water can be used indomestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7F, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 f when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is above approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to the water of the domestic hotwater tank.

In addition to determining the temperature of the domestic hot watertank, control circuitry can call for information from one or moresensors as to the temperature of the at least one hydronic hot watertank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added tothe hydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is abovesome preset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 f when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, when the temperature is above approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Inaddition to adding heat to the at least one domestic tank or at leastone hydronic tank, some embodiments can be configured with features tocool these tanks if the temperatures exceed a threshold. As depicted inblock 744 f, excess heat within either the at least one domestic tank orat least one hydronic can be dissipated with a heat dump.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air. Alternatively, if reheating is notdesired, hot water from a hot water tank is not used to heat a hydroniccoil in thermal communication with air exiting the air-to water heatpump. In other embodiments, hydronic coils can be configured for ductheating. Control circuitry can call for flow of hot water to heat areasas desired. In some embodiments, water is circulated through hydroniccoils for heating, in other embodiments in which heating is not desired,and as depicted in blocks 756 f and 758 f, water is not circulatedthrough hydronic coils and no heating occurs.

In some embodiments, control circuitry can call for information relatingto temperatures within specific areas of the structure. When thesetemperatures exceed some threshold, for example, approximately 78degrees Fahrenheit as depicted in block 742 f, an air-to-air heat pumpcan locally cool air. On the other hand, if local temperatures are belowsome threshold, the control circuitry can call for the air-to-air heatpump to idle as depicted in block 700 f.

Additionally, some embodiments can include solar heating features. Insome configurations, a solar heating feature can include a sensor tomonitor and/or control the temperature of the solar heating feature.Thus, in some embodiments, when a solar heating temperature exceeds athreshold temperature, the solar heating feature can be cooled, forexample, by running a fan. As depicted in block 760 f, a fan can be usedto maintain the temperature of a solar heating feature, the fan runningwhen the temperature exceeds some threshold temperature.

FIG. 7G schematically illustrates a seventh example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in situations with outsidetemperatures above approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit and with relativehumidity below approximately 30% (e.g., during summer transitionalmonth). In this application, heat can be recovered by the air-to-waterheat pump from the kitchen and solar energy can be collected. In thisapplication a thermostat within the structure may call for the structureinterior, or portions thereof, to maintain a set heat of approximately65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 702 g. In someembodiments, this may be a central thermostat, or a thermostat unique toa specific area within the structure. In some configurations, thecontrol circuitry can additionally receive information relating to therelative humidity inside the structure. As depicted in block 703 g, theinformation relating to relative humidity can also result in the controlcircuitry calling for dehumidification or cooling. Thus, in someembodiments, for example, cooling begins when the internal temperatureof the structure, or some portions thereof, exceeds a threshold, or whenthe internal relative humidity of the structure, or some portionsthereof, exceeds a threshold. If the desired internal conditions havebeen achieved, control circuitry may call for the system to idle asdepicted in block 700 g. If on the other hand, the desired internalconditions have not been achieved, the control circuitry may receiveinput information relating to outside temperature and conditions, andbased on this information related to outside temperatures andconditions, cool through a variety of means. If the outside temperatureis between approximately 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted in704 g, the control circuitry can call for cooling. In some embodiments,control circuitry can manage an air-to-air heat pump in response toinformation received relating to inside an outside temperatures andconditions. In one embodiment, and as depicted in block 752 g, thecontrol circuitry can request the economizer damper on an air-to-airheat pump to open, for the supply fan to run, for the damper to hot airto close, and for the economizer damper to outside air to close. Thecontrol circuitry can further call for, as depicted in block 754 g, theindirect or direct pre-cooler used in connection with the air-to-airheat pump to start, the supply fan to start, the compressor on theair-to-air heat pump to stop, and for the opening of the damper forindirect or direct cooling in the economizer. In other embodiments, thecontrol circuitry can call for any combination of the above mentionedconditions as well as combinations of the opposite condition (e.g.opened and closed).

Additionally, the control circuitry may receive input informationrelating to outside conditions such as the relative humidity. Asdepicted in block 705 g, when the relative humidity is greater thanapproximately 30%, call for cooling by the air-to-water heat pump asshown in block 720 g.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extracts moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered. In some embodiments, control circuitry canmanage use or purification and use of water recovered from the air bythe air-to-water heat pump. Water recovered from the dehumidificationfunction can be purified, and this recovered water can be used indomestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7G, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 g when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is above approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to the water of the domestic hotwater tank.

In addition to determining the temperature of the domestic hot watertank, control circuitry can call for information from one or moresensors as to the temperature of the at least one hydronic hot watertank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added tothe hydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is abovesome preset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 g when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, when the temperature is above approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Inaddition to adding heat to the at least one domestic tank or at leastone hydronic tank, some embodiments can be configured with features tocool these tanks if the temperatures exceed a threshold. As depicted inblock 744 g, excess heat within either the at least one domestic tank orat least one hydronic can be dissipated with a heat dump.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air. Alternatively, if reheating is notdesired, hot water from a hot water tank is not used to heat a hydroniccoil in thermal communication with air exiting the air-to water heatpump. In other embodiments, hydronic coils can be configured for ductheating. Control circuitry can call for flow of hot water to heat areasas desired. In some embodiments, water is circulated through hydroniccoils for heating, in other embodiments in which heating is not desired,and as depicted in blocks 756 g and 758 g, water is not circulatedthrough hydronic coils and no heating occurs.

In some embodiments, control circuitry can call for information relatingto temperatures within specific areas of the structure. When thesetemperatures exceed some threshold, for example, approximately 78degrees Fahrenheit as depicted in block 742 g, an air-to-air heat pumpcan locally cool air. On the other hand, if local temperatures are belowsome threshold, the control circuitry can call for the air-to-air heatpump to idle as depicted in block 700 g.

Additionally, some embodiments can include solar heating features. Insome configurations, a solar heating feature can include a sensor tomonitor and/or control the temperature of the solar heating feature.Thus, in some embodiments, when a solar heating temperature exceeds athreshold temperature, the solar heating feature can be cooled, forexample, by running a fan. As depicted in block 760 g, a fan can be usedto maintain the temperature of a solar heating feature, the fan runningwhen the temperature exceeds some threshold temperature.

FIG. 7H schematically illustrates a eighth example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in situations with outsidetemperatures between approximately 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g.,during summer transitional month). In this application, heat can berecovered by the air-to-water heat pump from the kitchen. In thisapplication a thermostat within the structure may call for the structureinterior, or portions thereof, to maintain a set heat of approximately65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 702 h. In someembodiments, this may be a central thermostat, or a thermostat unique toa specific area within the structure. In some configurations, thecontrol circuitry can additionally receive information relating to therelative humidity inside the structure. As depicted in block 703 h, theinformation relating to relative humidity can also result in the controlcircuitry calling for dehumidification or cooling. Thus, in someembodiments, for example, cooling begins when the internal temperatureof the structure, or some portions thereof, exceeds a threshold, or whenthe internal relative humidity of the structure, or some portionsthereof, exceeds a threshold. If the desired internal conditions havebeen achieved, control circuitry may call for the system to idle asdepicted in block 700 h. If on the other hand, the desired internalconditions have not been achieved, the control circuitry may receiveinput information relating to outside temperature and conditions, andbased on this information related to outside temperatures andconditions, cool through a variety of means. If the outside temperatureis between approximately 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted in704 h, the control circuitry can call for cooling. In some embodiments,control circuitry can manage an air-to-air heat pump in response toinformation received relating to inside an outside temperatures andconditions. In one embodiment, and as depicted in block 752 h, thecontrol circuitry can request the economizer damper on an air-to-airheat pump to open, for the supply fan to run, and for the damper tosolar hot air to close. The control circuitry can further call for, asdepicted in block 754 h, the indirect or direct pre-cooler used inconnection with the air-to-air heat pump to start, the supply fan tostart, the compressor on the air-to-air heat pump to stop, and for theopening of the damper for indirect or direct cooling in the economizer.In other embodiments, the control circuitry can call for any combinationof the above mentioned conditions as well as combinations of theopposite condition (e.g. opened and closed).

Additionally, the control circuitry may receive input informationrelating to outside conditions such as the relative humidity. Asdepicted in block 705 h, when the relative humidity is greater thanapproximately 30%, call for cooling by the air-to-water heat pump asshown in block 720 h.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extracts moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered. In some embodiments, control circuitry canmanage use or purification and use of water recovered from the air bythe air-to-water heat pump. Water recovered from the dehumidificationfunction can be purified, and this recovered water can be used indomestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7H, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperatures are below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 h when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the domestic hot watertank.

In addition to determining the temperature of the domestic hot watertank, control circuitry can call for information from one or moresensors as to the temperature of the at least one hydronic hot watertank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added tothe hydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is abovesome preset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 h when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, and as further depicted in block 730 h, when the temperatureis above approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to thehydronic hot water tank. In addition to adding heat to the at least onedomestic tank or at least one hydronic tank, some embodiments can beconfigured with features to cool these tanks if the temperatures exceeda threshold. As depicted in block 744 h, excess heat within the at leastone domestic tank and/or the at least one hydronic can be dissipatedwith a heat dump.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air. Alternatively, if reheating is notdesired, hot water from a hot water tank is not used to heat a hydroniccoil in thermal communication with air exiting the air-to water heatpump. In other embodiments, hydronic coils can be configured for ductheating. Control circuitry can call for flow of hot water to heat areasas desired. In some embodiments, water is circulated through hydroniccoils for heating, in other embodiments in which heating is not desired,and as depicted in blocks 756 h and 758 h, water is not circulatedthrough hydronic coils and no heating occurs.

In some embodiments, control circuitry can call for information relatingto temperatures within specific areas of the structure. When thesetemperatures exceed some threshold, for example, approximately 78degrees Fahrenheit an air-to-air heat pump can locally cool air. On theother hand, if local temperatures are below some threshold, for example,approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted in block 742 h, thecontrol circuitry can call for the air-to-air heat pump to idle asdepicted in block 700 h.

Additionally, some embodiments can include solar heating features. Insome configurations, a solar heating feature can include a sensor tomonitor and/or control the temperature of the solar heating feature.Thus, in some embodiments, when a solar heating temperature exceeds athreshold temperature, the solar heating feature can be cooled, forexample, by running a fan. As depicted in block 760 h, a fan can be usedto maintain the temperature of a solar heating feature, the fan runningwhen the temperature exceeds some threshold temperature.

FIG. 7I schematically illustrates a ninth example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in situations with outsidetemperatures between approximately 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit andrelative humidity below approximately 30% (e.g., during summertransitional month in combination with a coastal or monsoon climate). Inthis application, the system can alternatively heat, cool, anddehumidify the structure as required to maintain comfortabletemperatures and conditions In this application a thermostat within thestructure may call for the structure interior, or portions thereof, tomaintain a set temperature of approximately 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheitas shown by block 702 i. In some embodiments, this may be a centralthermostat, or a thermostat unique to a specific area within thestructure. In some configurations, the control circuitry canadditionally receive information relating to the temperature andrelative humidity at another location inside the structure. As depictedin block 703 i, the information relating to conditions in this area canalso result in the control circuitry calling for dehumidification,cooling, or heating. Thus, in some embodiments, for example, heatingbegins when the internal temperature of the structure or some portionsthereof, drops below a threshold temperature. If the desired internalconditions have been achieved, control circuitry may call for the systemto idle as depicted in block 700 i. If on the other hand, the desiredinternal conditions have not been achieved, the control circuitry mayreceive input information relating to outside temperature andconditions, and based on this information related to outsidetemperatures and conditions, cool through a variety of means. If theoutside temperature is between approximately 65 and 90 degreesFahrenheit, as depicted in 704 i, the control circuitry can call forheating. In some embodiments, control circuitry can manage an air-to-airheat pump in response to information received relating to inside anoutside temperatures and conditions. In one embodiment, and as depictedin block 752 i, the control circuitry can request the economizer damperon an air-to-air heat pump to open, for the supply fan to run, and forthe damper to solar hot air to open. The control circuitry can furthercall for, as depicted in block 754 i, the indirect or direct pre-coolerused in connection with the air-to-air heat pump to stop, the supply fanto start, the compressor on the air-to-air heat pump to stop, and forthe closing of the damper for indirect or direct cooling in theeconomizer This combination results in the circulation of warmed air. Inother embodiments, the control circuitry can call for any combination ofthe above mentioned conditions as well as combinations of the oppositecondition (e.g. opened and closed).

Additionally, the control circuitry may receive input informationrelating to outside conditions such as the relative humidity. Asdepicted in block 705 i, when the relative humidity is greater thanapproximately 30%, call for cooling and dehumidification by theair-to-water heat pump as shown in block 720 i.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extracts moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered. In some embodiments, control circuitry canmanage use or purification and use of water recovered from the air bythe air-to-water heat pump. Water recovered from the dehumidificationfunction can be purified, and this recovered water can be used indomestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7I, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperatures are below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 i when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the domestic hot watertank.

In addition to determining the temperature of the domestic hot watertank, control circuitry can call for information from one or moresensors as to the temperature of the at least one hydronic hot watertank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added tothe hydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is abovesome preset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 i when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, and as further depicted in block 730 i, when the temperatureis above approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to thehydronic hot water tank as depicted in block 731 i. In addition toadding heat to the at least one domestic tank or at least one hydronictank, some embodiments can be configured with features to cool thesetanks if the temperatures exceed a threshold. As depicted in block 744i, excess heat within either the at least one domestic tank or at leastone hydronic tank can be dissipated with a heat dump.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air. Alternatively, if reheating is notdesired, hot water from a hot water tank is not used to heat a hydroniccoil in thermal communication with air exiting the air-to water heatpump. In other embodiments, hydronic coils can be configured for ductheating. Control circuitry can call for flow of hot water to heat areasas desired. In some embodiments, and as depicted in blocks 756 i and 758i, water is circulated through hydronic coils for heating, in otherembodiments in which heating is not desired, water is not circulatedthrough hydronic coils and no heating occurs.

In some embodiments, control circuitry can call for information relatingto temperatures within specific areas of the structure. When thesetemperatures exceed some threshold, for example, approximately 78degrees Fahrenheit an air-to-air heat pump can locally cool air. On theother hand, if local temperatures are below some threshold, for example,approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted in block 742 i, thecontrol circuitry can call for the air-to-air heat pump to idle asdepicted in block 700 i.

Additionally, some embodiments can include solar heating features. Insome configurations, a solar heating feature can include a sensor tomonitor and/or control the temperature of the solar heating feature.Thus, in some embodiments, when a solar heating temperature exceeds athreshold temperature, the solar heating feature can be cooled, forexample, by running a fan. As depicted in block 760 i, a fan can be usedto maintain the temperature of a solar heating feature, the fan runningwhen the temperature exceeds, for example, approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit.

FIG. 7J schematically illustrates a tenth example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in situations with outsidetemperatures between approximately 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g.,during summer transitional month). In this application, the system canalternatively heat, cool, and dehumidify the structure as required tomaintain comfortable temperatures and conditions In this application athermostat within the structure may call for the structure interior, orportions thereof, to maintain a set temperature of approximately 70 to75 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 702 j. In some embodiments, thismay be a central thermostat, or a thermostat unique to a specific areawithin the structure. In some configurations, the control circuitry canadditionally receive information relating to the temperature andrelative humidity at another location inside the structure. As depictedin block 703 j, the information relating to conditions in this area canalso result in the control circuitry calling for dehumidification,cooling, or heating. Thus, in some embodiments, for example, heatingbegins when the internal temperature of the structure or some portionsthereof, drops below a threshold temperature. If the desired internalconditions have been achieved, control circuitry may call for the systemto idle as depicted in block 700 j. If on the other hand, the desiredinternal conditions have not been achieved, the control circuitry mayreceive input information relating to outside temperature andconditions, and based on this information related to outsidetemperatures and conditions, cool through a variety of means. If theoutside temperature is between approximately 65 and 90 degreesFahrenheit, as depicted in 704 j, the control circuitry can call forheating. In some embodiments, control circuitry can manage an air-to-airheat pump in response to information received relating to inside anoutside temperatures and conditions. In one embodiment, and as depictedin block 752 j, the control circuitry can request the economizer damperon an air-to-air heat pump to open, for the supply fan to run, and forthe damper to solar hot air to open. The control circuitry can furthercall for, as depicted in block 754 j, the indirect or direct pre-coolerused in connection with the air-to-air heat pump to stop, the supply fanto start, the compressor on the air-to-air heat pump to stop, and forthe closing of the damper for indirect or direct cooling in theeconomizer. This combination results in the circulation of warmed air.In other embodiments, the control circuitry can call for any combinationof the above mentioned conditions as well as combinations of theopposite condition (e.g. opened and closed).

Additionally, the control circuitry may receive input informationrelating to outside conditions such as the relative humidity. Asdepicted in block 705 j, when the relative humidity is greater thanapproximately 30%, call for cooling and dehumidification by theair-to-water heat pump as shown in block 720 j.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extracts moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered. In some embodiments, control circuitry canmanage use or purification and use of water recovered from the air bythe air-to-water heat pump. Water recovered from the dehumidificationfunction can be purified, and this recovered water can be used indomestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7J, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperatures are below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 j when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the domestic hot watertank.

In addition to determining the temperature of the domestic hot watertank, control circuitry can call for information from one or moresensors as to the temperature of the at least one hydronic hot watertank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added tothe hydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is abovesome preset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 j when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, and as further depicted in block 730 j, when the temperatureis above approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to thehydronic hot water tank. In addition to adding heat to the at least onedomestic tank or at least one hydronic tank, some embodiments can beconfigured with features to cool these tanks if the temperatures exceeda threshold. As depicted in block 744 j, excess heat within either theat least one domestic tank or at least one hydronic can be dissipatedwith a heat dump.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air. Alternatively, if reheating is notdesired, hot water from a hot water tank is not used to heat a hydroniccoil in thermal communication with air exiting the air-to water heatpump. In other embodiments, hydronic coils can be configured for ductheating. Control circuitry can call for flow of hot water to heat areasas desired. In some embodiments, and as depicted in blocks 756 j, wateris circulated through hydronic coils for heating, in other embodimentsin which heating is not desired, and as depicted in block 758 j, wateris not circulated through hydronic coils and no heating occurs.

In some embodiments, control circuitry can call for information relatingto temperatures within specific areas of the structure. When thesetemperatures exceed some threshold, for example, approximately 78degrees Fahrenheit an air-to-air heat pump can locally cool air. On theother hand, if local temperatures are below some threshold, for example,approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted in block 742 j, thecontrol circuitry can call for the air-to-air heat pump to idle asdepicted in block 700 j.

Additionally, some embodiments can include solar heating features. Insome configurations, a solar heating feature can include a sensor tomonitor and/or control the temperature of the solar heating feature.Thus, in some embodiments, when a solar heating temperature exceeds athreshold temperature, the solar heating feature can be cooled, forexample, by running a fan. As depicted in block 760 j, a fan can be usedto maintain the temperature of a solar heating feature, the fan runningwhen the temperature exceeds, for example, approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit.

FIG. 7K schematically illustrates a eleventh example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in situations with outsidetemperatures above approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., duringsummer transitional month with coastal or monsoon climatic impact). Inthis application, the system can alternatively heat, cool, anddehumidify the structure as required to maintain comfortabletemperatures and conditions In this application a thermostat within thestructure may call for the structure interior, or portions thereof, tomaintain a set temperature of approximately 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheitas shown by block 702 k. In some embodiments, this may be a centralthermostat, or a thermostat unique to a specific area within thestructure. In some configurations, the control circuitry canadditionally receive information relating to the temperature andrelative humidity at another location inside the structure. As depictedin block 703 k, the information relating to conditions in this area canalso result in the control circuitry calling for dehumidification,cooling, or heating. Thus, in some embodiments, for example, heatingbegins when the internal temperature of the structure or some portionsthereof, drops below a threshold temperature. If the desired internalconditions have been achieved, control circuitry may call for the systemto idle as depicted in block 700 k. If on the other hand, the desiredinternal conditions have not been achieved, the control circuitry mayreceive input information relating to outside temperature andconditions, and based on this information related to outsidetemperatures and conditions, cool through a variety of means. If theoutside temperature is below approximately 80 degrees Fahrenheit, asdepicted in 704 k, the control circuitry can call for cooling. In someembodiments, control circuitry can manage an air-to-air heat pump inresponse to information received relating to inside an outsidetemperatures and conditions. In one embodiment, and as depicted in block752 k, the control circuitry can request the economizer damper on anair-to-air heat pump to close, for the supply fan to run, and for thedamper to solar hot air to close. The control circuitry can further callfor, as depicted in block 754 k, the indirect or direct pre-cooler usedin connection with the air-to-air heat pump to stop, the supply fan tostart, the compressor on the air-to-air heat pump to stop, and for theclosing of the damper for indirect or direct cooling in the economizer.This combination results in the circulation of cool air. In otherembodiments, the control circuitry can call for any combination of theabove mentioned conditions.

Additionally, the control circuitry may receive input informationrelating to outside conditions such as the relative humidity. Asdepicted in block 705 k, when the relative humidity is greater thanapproximately 30%, call for cooling and dehumidification by theair-to-water heat pump as shown in block 720 k.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extracts moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered. In some embodiments, control circuitry canmanage use or purification and use of water recovered from the air bythe air-to-water heat pump. Water recovered from the dehumidificationfunction can be purified, and this recovered water can be used indomestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7K, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperatures are below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 k when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is above approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to the water of the domestic hotwater tank.

In addition to determining the temperature of the domestic hot watertank, control circuitry can call for information from one or moresensors as to the temperature of the at least one hydronic hot watertank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added tothe hydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is abovesome preset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 k when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, and as further depicted in block 730 k, when the temperatureis above approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to thehydronic hot water tank. In addition to adding heat to the at least onedomestic tank or at least one hydronic tank, some embodiments can beconfigured with features to cool these tanks if the temperatures exceeda threshold. As depicted in block 744 k, excess heat within either theat least one domestic tank or at least one hydronic can be dissipatedwith a heat dump.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air. Alternatively, if reheating is notdesired, hot water from a hot water tank is not used to heat a hydroniccoil in thermal communication with air exiting the air-to water heatpump. In other embodiments, hydronic coils can be configured for ductheating. Control circuitry can call for flow of hot water to heat areasas desired. In some embodiments, and as depicted in blocks 756 k, wateris circulated through hydronic coils for heating, in other embodimentsin which heating is not desired, and as depicted in block 758 k, wateris not circulated through hydronic coils and no heating occurs.

In some embodiments, control circuitry can call for information relatingto temperatures within specific areas of the structure. When thesetemperatures exceed some threshold, for example, approximately 78degrees Fahrenheit an air-to-air heat pump can locally cool air. On theother hand, if local temperatures are below some threshold, for example,approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted in block 742 k, thecontrol circuitry can call for the air-to-air heat pump to idle asdepicted in block 700 k.

Additionally, some embodiments can include solar heating features. Insome configurations, a solar heating feature can include a sensor tomonitor and/or control the temperature of the solar heating feature.Thus, in some embodiments, when a solar heating temperature exceeds athreshold temperature, the solar heating feature can be cooled, forexample, by running a fan. As depicted in block 760 k, a fan can be usedto maintain the temperature of a solar heating feature, the fan runningwhen the temperature exceeds, for example, approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit.

FIG. 7L schematically illustrates a eleventh example application for thehydronic system of FIG. 6 for applications in situations with outsidetemperatures above approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (e.g., duringsummer transitional month specifically configured for maintainingtemperature during a high load period). In this application, the systemcan alternatively heat, cool, and dehumidify the structure as requiredto maintain comfortable temperatures and conditions In this applicationa thermostat within the structure may call for the structure interior,or portions thereof, to maintain a set temperature of approximately 70to 75 degrees Fahrenheit as shown by block 702 l. In some embodiments,this may be a central thermostat, or a thermostat unique to a specificarea within the structure. In some configurations, the control circuitrycan additionally receive information relating to the temperature andrelative humidity at another location inside the structure. As depictedin block 703 l, the information relating to conditions in this area canalso result in the control circuitry calling for dehumidification,cooling, or heating. Thus, in some embodiments, for example, heatingbegins when the internal temperature of the structure or some portionsthereof, drops below a threshold temperature. If the desired internalconditions have been achieved, control circuitry may call for the systemto idle as depicted in block 700 l. If on the other hand, the desiredinternal conditions have not been achieved, the control circuitry mayreceive input information relating to outside temperature andconditions, and based on this information related to outsidetemperatures and conditions, cool through a variety of means. If theoutside temperature is above approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit, asdepicted in 704 l, the control circuitry can call for cooling. In someembodiments, control circuitry can manage an air-to-air heat pump inresponse to information received relating to inside an outsidetemperatures and conditions. In one embodiment, and as depicted in block752 l, the control circuitry can request the economizer damper on anair-to-air heat pump to close, for the supply fan to stop, and for thedamper to solar hot air to close. The control circuitry can further callfor, as depicted in block 754 l, the indirect or direct pre-cooler usedin connection with the air-to-air heat pump to stop, the supply fan tostart, the compressor on the air-to-air heat pump to start, and for theclosing of the damper for indirect or direct cooling in the economizer.This combination results in the circulation of cool air. In otherembodiments, the control circuitry can call for any combination of theabove mentioned conditions as well as combinations of the oppositecondition (e.g. opened and closed).

Additionally, the control circuitry may receive input informationrelating to outside conditions such as the relative humidity. Asdepicted in block 705 l, when the relative humidity is greater thanapproximately 30%, call for cooling and dehumidification by theair-to-water heat pump as shown in block 720 l.

Running the air-to-water heat pump extracts moisture from the air, whichmoisture can be recovered. In some embodiments, control circuitry canmanage use or purification and use of water recovered from the air bythe air-to-water heat pump. Water recovered from the dehumidificationfunction can be purified, and this recovered water can be used indomestic applications, like, for example, use in toilets.

In applications in which the air-to-water heat pump is running, controlcircuitry can further direct heating of water within at least onedomestic hot water tank and/or at least one hydronic heat tank. Asdepicted in FIG. 7L, control circuitry may call for information from oneor more sensors as to the temperature of the at least one domestic hotwater tank. When the temperatures are below a preset value, heat can beadded to the domestic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperatureis above some preset value, heat is not added to the domestic hot watertank. As depicted in block 728 l when the sensor indicates that thetemperature of the domestic hot water tank is above approximately 135degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to the water of the domestic hotwater tank.

In addition to determining the temperature of the domestic hot watertank, control circuitry can call for information from one or moresensors as to the temperature of the at least one hydronic hot watertank. When the temperature is below a preset value, heat can be added tothe hydronic hot water tank. Conversely, when the temperature is abovesome preset value, heat is not added to the hydronic hot water tank. Asdepicted in block 730 l when the sensor indicates that the temperatureof the domestic hot water tank is below approximately 110 degreesFahrenheit, heat is added to the water of the hydronic hot water tank.Conversely, and as further depicted in block 730 l, when the temperatureis above approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit, heat is not added to thehydronic hot water tank. In addition to adding heat to the at least onedomestic tank or at least one hydronic tank, some embodiments can beconfigured with features to cool these tanks if the temperatures exceeda threshold. As depicted in block 744 l, excess heat within either theat least one domestic tank or at least one hydronic can be dissipatedwith a heat dump.

Some embodiments can, for example, include redundant systems, forexample, as depicted in block 762 l, in case of a failure of theair-to-water heat pump, and alarm can sound, and notification can besent to monitoring or repair personnel. This alarm can be triggered by avariety of malfunctions in the air to water heat pump. An alarm can besimilarly signaled in case of a failure of another component of thesystem, including, a temperature reading in one of the hot water tanksexceeding, for example, approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Oneexample of a redundant system can be heating strips in the water tanks,the heating strips maintaining a desired water temperature in case offailure or inadequate output by another system component. A personskilled in the art will recognize that a variety of other redundantcomponents can be integrated into the system to increase safety andreliability.

Water from the hydronic tank can be used for distributing heatthroughout the structure. In some embodiments, control circuitry maycall for hot water from the hydronic tank to heat a hydronic coil inthermal communication with air exiting the air-to-water heat pump and tothereby reheat that exit-air. Alternatively, if reheating is notdesired, hot water from a hot water tank is not used to heat a hydroniccoil in thermal communication with air exiting the air-to water heatpump. In other embodiments, hydronic coils can be configured for ductheating. Control circuitry can call for flow of hot water to heat areasas desired. In some embodiments, and as depicted in blocks 756 l, wateris circulated through hydronic coils for heating, in other embodimentsin which heating is not desired, and as depicted in block 758 l, wateris not circulated through hydronic coils and no heating occurs.

In some embodiments, control circuitry can call for information relatingto temperatures within specific areas of the structure. When thesetemperatures exceed some threshold, for example, approximately 78degrees Fahrenheit an air-to-air heat pump can locally cool air. On theother hand, if local temperatures are below some threshold, for example,approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as depicted in block 742 l, thecontrol circuitry can call for the air-to-air heat pump to idle asdepicted in block 700 l.

Additionally, some embodiments can include solar heating features. Insome configurations, a solar heating feature can include a sensor tomonitor and/or control the temperature of the solar heating feature.Thus, in some embodiments, when a solar heating temperature exceeds athreshold temperature, the solar heating feature can be cooled, forexample, by running a fan. As depicted in block 760 l, a fan can be usedto maintain the temperature of a solar heating feature, the fan runningwhen the temperature exceeds, for example, approximately 130 degreesFahrenheit.

FIGS. 7A-7L illustrate example applications of how the hydronic systemof FIG. 6 can harness waste heat to efficiently heat one or morestructures, to efficiently cool one or more structures, and/or or toprovide hot water to one or more structures. A person having ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the hydronic system of FIG. 6,FIGS. 7A-7L, or other suitable hydronic systems described herein, inwhole or in part (e.g., components or subcomponents of the systems), maybe utilized to harness waste heat in a variety of applications, forexample, shopping malls, swimming pools, laundromats, restaurants,canneries, industrial applications including factories, and car washes.Thus, a hydronic systems and components thereof can be utilized inconjunction with any process area that may have available waste heat,whether indoors or outdoors, to harness the waste heat to efficientlyheat one or more structures, to efficiently cool one or more structures,and/or or to provide hot water to one or more structures. Waste heat canbe provided from a source of hot air and/or can be transferred from asource of hot liquid, for example, from a pressure line or pipecontaining a hot liquid. Additionally, in some embodiments, a hydronicsystem or component thereof may incorporate water jackets and/or heatexchangers to transfer the waste heat source to the system.

FIG. 8A is a block diagram schematically illustrating an energyproduction system 840 for use in connection with some embodiments of amultiplatform control system. The energy production system 840 includesa source of energy for example, a solar tracker, wind turbine,geothermal system, or hydroelectric system, that is configured toprovide electric power to various components including a battery pack, ahydronic space heater 815, a direct current fan 817, a direct currentpump 805, and/or a direct current electric coil 811. The energyproduction system 840 may at least partially power a water heatingsystem 820 and/or a HVAC control system 822. Water heating system 820may include a source of domestic water, for example, a fill truck 801 orplumbing connection that is configured to provide water to a domesticwater tank 803. In some embodiments, a direct current pump 805 may bedisposed between the domestic water tank 803 and a hot water tank 807 topump water from the domestic water tank 803 to the hot water tank 807.The hot water tank 807 may be fluidly coupled to a solar hot watersystem including one or more solar thermal panels 809 to heat watercontained therein. In some embodiments, a direct current element 811 maybe configured to receive electric power from the energy productionsystem 840 and transfer thermal energy to water contained within the hotwater tank 807.

Still referring to FIG. 8A, the HVAC system 822 may include a hydronicheater 815 configured to receive hot water from the hot water tank 807and to transfer thermal energy received from the hot water to air thatpasses thereover. The heated air may be used to heat one or more spacesin a given structure. Additionally, the HVAC system 822 may include aheat exchanger 813 configured to receive waste heat from the batterypack and to direct the waste heat to one or more spaces in a givenstructure to heat the structure. The HVAC system 822 may also include anoptional air circulation system 817 including a direct current fanpowered at least in part by the energy production system and/or thebattery pack. The air circulation system 817 may be configured topressurize one or more spaces within a given structure with ambient airto cool the one or more spaces in certain applications. Thus, the energyproduction system 840 may be configured to provide electric power to oneor more structures and/or to power HVAC and/or water heating systemsthat are coupled to the one or more structures.

FIG. 8B is a block diagram schematically illustrating one embodiment ofan energy production system 840 for use in connection with someembodiments of a multiplatform control system. The energy productionsystem 840 includes a source of energy for example, a solar tracker,wind turbine, geothermal system, or hydroelectric system, that isconfigured to provide electric power to various components including abattery pack, a hydronic space heater 815, a direct current fan 817, adirect current pump 805, and/or a direct current electric coil 811. Thehydronic space heater 815 can, in some embodiments include a directcurrent fan 817 for use in a silent aire night cycle. The energyproduction system may include a source of domestic water, for example, ahigh level filler truck 801 configured to provide water to a domesticwater tank 803. In some embodiments, the domestic tank can be, forexample, a 525 gallon domestic tank with a low level float. In someembodiments, a direct current pump 805 may be disposed between thedomestic water tank 803 and a hot water tank 807 to pump water from thedomestic water tank 803 to the hot water tank 807. The hot water tank807, can, for example, comprise a 100 gallon hot water tank, and may befluidly coupled to a solar hot water system including one or more solarthermal panels 809 to heat water contained therein.

Still referring to FIG. 8B, the system 840 may include a hydronic heater815 configured to receive hot water from the hot water tank 807 and totransfer thermal energy received from the hot water to air that passesthereover. The heated air may be used to heat one or more spaces in agiven structure. Additionally, the system 840 may include a heatexchanger 813 configured to receive waste heat from the battery pack andto direct the waste heat to one or more spaces in a given structure toheat the structure.

FIG. 8C is a block diagram schematically illustrating a climate controlsystem 850 for use in connection with some embodiments of amultiplatform control system. Climate control system 850 includes asource of energy 851. Source of energy 851 can include various systemsor subsystems including, for example, a solar tracker, wind turbine,geothermal system, hydraulic system, and/or hydronic system and may beconfigured to provide electric power to various components of climatecontrol system 850. A high voltage charge controller 853 may receiveelectric power from the source of energy 851 and may provide theelectric power to a direct current exo current protection module 853 andan inverter 857. The inverter 857 may provide electric power to astand-by generator 865, a battery pack 867, a power protection panel869, and/or to a power panel 871 for one or more structures. When thesource of energy 851 produces an excess amount of electric power,electric power may be provided through a shunt 859 to an auxiliarybattery pack 863 and/or to a hot water tank 873. Hot water tank 873 mayreceive potable water from a storage tank 875 and the water may bepumped therefrom by a pump 877. Hot water tank 873 may also be heated inpart by one or more solar panels 861 and water may be drawn from the hotwater tank 873 for various uses, including for example, use in alavatory or bathroom 879. Hot water from hot water tank 873 may also bedirected to a heater 881 to provide heat to one or more structures.

Thus, the climate control system 850 may be configured to provideelectric power to one or more structures and/or to power HVAC and/orwater heating systems that are coupled to the one or more structures.

FIG. 8D is a block diagram schematically illustrating a climate controlsystem 850 for use in connection with some embodiments of amultiplatform control system. Climate control system 850 includes asource of energy 851. Source of energy 851 can include various systemsor subsystems including, for example, a solar photovoltaic moduleincluding, with a single or dual axis passive or active tracker with anearly wake-up, a wind generator, a geothermal system, and/or amicrohydro system and may be configured to provide electric power tovarious components of climate control system 850. A high voltage chargecontroller 853 may receive electric power from the source of energy 851and may provide the electric power to a direct current exo currentprotection module 855 and an inverter 857. The inverter 857 may provideelectric power to a stand-by generator 865, a battery pack 867,comprising, for example, 8 batteries, 16 batteries, or any desirednumber of batteries based on the system size, a power protection panel869, and/or to a power panel 871 for one or more structures. As depictedin FIG. 8D, the power panel 871 can power to a house, to a housesubpanel, to a shed, and/or connect to any electrical equipment. Whenthe source of energy 851 produces an excess amount of electric power,electric power may be provided through a shunt 859 to an auxiliarybattery pack 863 and/or to a hot water tank 873. Hot water tank 873 mayreceive potable water from a storage tank 875 and the water may bepumped therefrom by a pump 877. Hot water tank 873 may also be heated inpart by one or more solar panels 861 and water may be drawn from the hotwater tank 873 for various uses, including for example, use in alavatory or bathroom 879. Hot water from hot water tank 873 may also bedirected to a heater 881 to provide heat to one or more structures.

Referring to FIG. 9, a solar energy system 900 generates electricity foroperating electric systems relating to the multiplatform control system.As depicted in FIG. 9, the solar energy system may include, for example,at least one solar panel 902 and a base 904. The solar system 900 mayinclude, for example, a variety of types of electricity generatingpanels 902. In preferred embodiments the solar energy system may includea plurality of solar panels 902. The solar energy system embodiment ofFIG. 9 includes six solar panels 902. Different embodiments of a solarenergy system 900 can comprise different numbers of solar panels 902,the number of solar panels configured to match the desired level ofsolar electricity generation. A person skilled in the art will recognizethat the amount of solar power generation capacity required depends on avariety of factors such as component power consumption and processingrate requirements and that the present disclosure does not limit amultiplatform control system or single platform control system to anyspecific number of solar panels.

Referring again to FIG. 9, preferred embodiments of a base 904 caninclude a mobile tracker base. A mobile tracker base can increase solarpanel efficiency, by up to approximately forty to fifty percent, bytracking movement of the sun throughout the day and thus constantlydirecting the solar panels at the sun. Some embodiments of a trackerbase include active tracker bases, chronological tracker bases, andpassive tracker bases. Preferred embodiments of a mobile tracker basecomprise a passive tracker base. The base 904 can include a trailermount to mount the solar energy system to a movable trailer. In someembodiments, the base includes one or more concrete ballasts.

One embodiment of a passive tracker base comprises two chambers, gasfilling the chambers, connections between the chambers, and reflectorsfor directing sunlight onto the chambers. In this embodiment, sun lightis differentially reflected onto the chambers by the reflectorsdepending on the angle defined between the base and the sun. As the sunmoves, and this relative angle changes, one of the chambers receivesmore sunlight, and thus achieves a higher temperature. This temperaturedifference between the chambers drives gas from one chamber to theother, resulting in a weight differential between the chambers. Thisweight differential results in the movement of the tracker base. Someaspects can include “shadow plates” that differentially shade or blocklight from one or more of the chambers. The light that can bedifferentially shaded from the chambers by the shadow plates dependingupon the angle defined between the base and the sun.

Preferred embodiments of passive trackers additionally may include acontrolled heating device position on the chambers. The heating devicecontrol may be configured so that the heating device creates atemperature differential in the chambers before sun rise, thetemperature differential resulting in the pre-orientation of the trackerbase towards the position of the sunrise. The heater can receive energyfor heating from a variety of sources including from batteries, from apower grid, or from any other energy source. In preferred embodiments,the heating device may include a forty watt silicon heater. In furtherpreferred embodiments, the heating device control includes anastronomical timer comprising data regarding the time of sunrise foreach day of the year. In preferred embodiments, the heating devicebegins heating of one chamber approximately one-half to one hour beforesun rise. Advantageously, use of a controlled silicon heater canincrease efficiency of solar energy capture by up to ten percent overcomparable passive tracker bases lacking such a controlled heater.

The tracker base further may include, for example, a support structure906 and a stand structure 908. The support structure may include a mast910, and axel, rails, and truss tubes 918. As shown in FIG. 9, in someembodiments, the support structure 906 includes a top and bottom, forexample, a canister top and bottom 920. The mast 910, a feature of boththe support structure and the stand structure, connects the supportstructure to the stand structure. The axel, rails, and truss tubes 918together connect the solar panels 902 to the mast 910. As shown in FIG.9, the mast 910 of some embodiments includes a junction box 912. Thestand structure 908 of some embodiments includes an outrigger 914; inone non-limiting example, the outrigger 914 extends 10 feet from themast 910. The stand structure 908 of some embodiments includes a barrel916; in one non-limiting example, the stand structure 908 includes a 50gallon sand-filled barrel, which sits on a shoe at the end of eachoutrigger 914.

FIGS. 10A-10C depict various embodiments of utility structures that canoptionally be used in connection with some embodiments of amultiplatform control system, for example, any of the embodimentsdisclosed herein. Additional details relating to the utility structuresare disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/382,798 which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-11B, some embodiments of an electrical system1000 can be configured with a ground point 1002. The ground point 1002may be improved by creating depression 1004 around the ground point1002, the depression 1004 configured to catch and store liquid from thedrain line 1006. In some embodiments, the depression can include a liner1008. The liner 1008 can, in some embodiments, be made of plastic,concrete, metal, wood, or other material. In some embodiments with alined depression 1004, the liner 1008 can include an orifice 1010through which a grounding rod 1012 may be passed, the orifice 1010 alsoallowing water to pass from the depression 1004 into the ground aroundthe grounding rod 1012. In further embodiments, the drain lines 1006 canbe configured to provide approximately one gallon per hour to thedepression 1004 to maintain adequate moisture and conductivity at theground point 1002.

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12B, some embodiments of a multiplatform controlsystem can include a raw water delivery system 1200. A raw waterdelivery system 1200 may include, for example, a tube or pipe that isreferred to as a “straw” 1202, which straw 1202 can be made of a varietyof materials including, for example, metal, plastic, composites, orceramics and in a variety of sizes. The diameter can be any suitablediameter that will be sufficient for the filtration requirements andneeds.

FIGS. 12A-12B depict an embodiment in which the straw 1202 comprises anelongated tube having an inlet end 1204, into which fluid enters thewater delivery device 1200. The straw 1202 further includes an outletend 1206. The outlet end 1206 further comprises an opening through whicha water/fluid line 1208 passes which water/fluid line 1208 carries waterto the filtration unit. One or both of the inlet and outlet ends 1204,1206 can be covered by a cap 1210. The straw 1202 further may includeopenings 1212 allowing the passage of water from outside the straw 1202to inside the straw 1202.

FIG. 12B depicts a cross section view of the embodiment of a raw waterdelivery system 1200. As depicted, bolt 1214 can pass through the straw1202 in proximity to the inlet end 1204. In some embodiments, one ormore cables can be affixed to the ends of the bolt 1214. Advantageously,these cables can enable fixing the position of the straw in a body ofwater.

As also shown in FIG. 12B, a gravel pack 1216 is inserted into the straw1202. The gravel pack 1216 can comprise an elongate tube. The gravelpack 1216 may be sized to slidably fit within the straw 1202, and torest on top of the bolt 1214. A submersible pump 1218, sized to fitwithin the gravel pack 1216, is inserted into the gravel pack 1216. Insome embodiments of a raw water delivery system 1200, a cable can beaffixed to one end of the pump enabling the removal of the pump from thestraw without removing the straw from the water.

Additional embodiments of raw water delivery system 1200 further caninclude one or more bodies extending through the outlet end of the strawand into the straw. In some embodiments this body may include awater/fluid line 1208. This body can further include an electric cablefor providing power and control to the water pump 1218. As depicted inFIG. 12, the electric cable is integral with the water line. In afurther embodiment, this body can also comprise one or more tubes. Thiscan include an air tube 1220 having a perforated end 1222 or a vacuumtube (not shown) extending to the inlet end of the straw.Advantageously, inclusion of a perforated air tube 1220 may enable usersof the straw 1202 to clean the gravel pack 1216 and the straw 1202 byblowing compressed air out of the tube 1220 and through the gravel pack1216 and openings. This removes accumulations from the gravel pack 1216and straw 1202 and enables more efficient filtration by decreasing thefrequency of necessary filter shutdown for straw 1202 and gravel pack1216 cleaning and by decreasing the flow resistance caused by a dirtygravel pack 1216. The inclusion of a vacuum tube similarly increases theefficiency of filtration by decreasing the frequency of straw 1202cleaning by allowing the user to such particulate accumulations out ofthe straw 1202 without removing the straw 1202 from the water.

Some embodiments of a multiplatform control system can include a bypasssystem 1300 as depicted in FIG. 13. A bypass system 1300 may include,for example, a solenoid valve 1302 connected to the multiplatformcontrol system, a check valve 1304, and a bypass line 1306 connectingraw water line 1308 to the drain line 1310

Some embodiments of a pump bypass system 1300 may additionally include asolenoid valve 1312 connected to the raw water line 1308 and the bypassline 1306.

In some aspects, the multiplatform control system can initiate abackwash. Once the backwash is to begin, the multiplatform controlsystem signals the begin of the backwash, which signal opens thesolenoid valve 1302, allowing raw water to flow from the raw water line1308 through the bypass line 1306, and out the drain line 1310.Additionally, the check valve 1304 which is located downstream of thebypass line 1306 on the raw water line 1308, can prevent further flow ofraw water other systems of the multiplatform control system.

FIG. 14 depicts one embodiment of a radiator 1400, which can includechannels 1402 for process liquid to pass through and features toencourage heat transfer with the process fluid. The channels 1402 canfurther include inlet and outlet channels (not shown) to allow fluid toflow into and out of the channels 1402 in the radiator 1400. In someembodiments, the radiator system can include fins and a fan 1404. Insome preferred embodiments, the fan 1404 can comprise a direct current(DC) fan. The fan 1404 can be configured to assist in passing air overelectronic components of the multiplatform control system, thusfacilitating the transfer of heat between the components and the air.The fan 1404 can be further configured to assist in passing air over theradiator channels 1402, thus facilitating the transfer of heat betweenthe air and the radiator channels 1402. The fan 1404 can be configuredto enter air into the radiator 1400 through an air inlet 1406, and afterhaving passed the air over the channels 1402, exit the air from theradiator 1400 through an air outlet 1408. Advantageously, inclusion of aradiator 1400 in a multiplatform control system can assist inmaintaining the ideal temperature of the components of the multiplatformcontrol system, and thus can increase the efficiency of thosecomponents.

Additionally, some embodiments of a multiplatform control system canincorporate the capture, manipulation, and redistribution of heat energythroughout the system and/or can incorporate cooling heat energy.Surprisingly, this capture and use of seemingly insignificant amounts ofenergy has resulted in significant improvement in system efficiency aswell as in component efficiency. Thus, the system is able to function atfixed capacity using less energy or to increase capacity while using thesame amount of energy. This efficiency is the result of capturing energyfrom sources that have previously not been recognized as useful energysources, and transferring this energy to aspects of a system in whichthe energy can be beneficially used. Also surprisingly, the combinationof energy from these diverse sources results in a synergisticimprovement in efficiency above what would be expected based on theindividual amounts of energy captured from each source. A person skilledin the art will recognize that the synergistic benefit of collectingenergy from a plurality of small energy sources, and applying thatenergy to another aspect of a system can be applied in a wide variety ofsituations and is not limited to application in connection with areverse osmosis system or any subsystem thereof.

Example 1 Commercial, Industrial, Manufacturing, Institutional,Agricultural Multi-Platform Energy Optimization and Control System

Some embodiments relate to conditioned enclosures such as commercial,industrial, manufacturing and agricultural enclosure structures, whichcan include, for example, one or more of interlocking and interactingcontrols. The controls can be configured, for example, to optimize spaceconditioning and energy usage reduction methods. In some aspects, thecontrols and methods can achieve decreased energy usage, for example,net zero, or lowest, power/energy use with or without power grids oralternative power sources such as solar photovoltaic, geothermal, microhydro, wind, biomass, biogas, hydrogen fuel cell, compressed air, etc.

The control systems can include, for example, one or more non-limitingelements or features such as smart board or analog controls withmultiple sensors that initiate alternative methods of heating, cooling,and ventilating for minimum energy use; attic ventilation only incooling and ventilation months; controls that in some aspects do notallow a compressor to run during night ventilation/cooling mode; use oflow energy usage systems such as evaporative cooling/night/dayventilation to off set compressor operation; heat pump that can be usedas last resort, not primary source of heating and cooling;dehumidification/condensate recovery for grey water or waterpurification, for Ag or toilets or purification on site; combined use ofpassive and active monitored elements to achieve improved or optimumenergy and systems performance; prevention of simultaneous compressoruse to lower demand cost; utilization of waste heat/cold from, forexample, interior spaces and exterior spaces, garages, laundries,kitchens, indoor pools, production, animal containment areas, forproduction of hot air, hot water, air conditioning, dehumidification andwater recovery; interlocking of self powered and grid powered ac/dcdevices to achieve improved or maximum energy efficiency and function;adjustable fan speed on supply, exhaust air in response to temperaturedrop/rise vs. time-temperature differential system optimizing energytrimming; monitoring of power use of systems to assess, diagnose,optimize and maintain systems; monitoring of run time of systems toassess, diagnose, optimize and maintain; setting of alarm parameters tonotify out of normal optimized performance; monitoring/recovering,optimize waste heat from multiple sources and recycle energy into systemto optimize system.

Some aspects relate to new, surprising and unexpected methods of two ormore of: automatically monitoring, controlling, heating, cooling, andventilating systems independently of grid power. The methods can includefor example, indoor and outdoor sensors selected for or configured forthe least energy intensive means to achieve indoor comfort for aninhabited space.

Example 2 Residential Multi Platform Energy Optimization and ControlSystem

Also, some embodiments relate to residential enclosures, for example,habitable enclosures with interlocking and/or interacting controls foroptimizing space conditioning and energy usage. Some embodiments relateto energy reduction methods to achieve decreased power usage, forexample, net zero, or lowest, power use with or without alternativepower sources such as solar pv, hydrogen fuel cell, geo thermal, microhydro, wind, biomass, bio gas, etc.

The enclosures, systems and related methods can include one or more ofthe following elements and features: smart board or analog controls withmultiple sensors that initiate alternative methods of heating, cooling,and ventilating for minimum energy usage; Attic venting in cooling andventilation months, in some aspects only in cooling and ventilationmonths; controls that if desired, can prevent a compressor from runningduring night ventilation/cooling mode; use of low energy usage systemssuch as evaporative cooling, night/day ventilation to off-set compressoroperation; use of low energy usage systems such as solar hot water tooff-set compressor operation; heat pumps used secondarily, notprimarily, as the source of heating and cooling; water(dehumidification/condensate) recovery for grey water, for AG ortoilets, or purification on site; combined use of passive and activemonitored elements to achieve optimum results, energy wise; use ofmultiple compressors running simultaneously to lower demand; waste heatused from interior spaces, garages, laundries, kitchens for productionof hot water, air conditioning and water recovery; interlocking of selfpowered and grid powered ac/de devices to achieve maximum energyefficiency and function; fan speed adjustment on supply air in responseto temperature drop vs. time temperature rise vs. time; systemoptimizing energy trimming; monitoring power use of systems to assess,diagnose, optimize and maintain; monitor recovery of waste heat frommultiple sources and recycle energy into system to optimize system.

Some aspects relate to new, surprising and unexpected methods thatinclude two or more of automatically monitoring, controlling heat,cooling, ventilating systems independently of grid power. The methodscan include indoor and outdoor sensors for example configured to orselect for the least energy intensive means to achieve indoor comfortfor an inhabited space.

The technology, including any methods, systems, devices and combinationsof components described herein can be operational with numerous othergeneral purpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the inventioninclude, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers,hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based systems, programmable consumer electronics, networkPCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that include any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps forprocessing information in the system. Instructions can be implemented insoftware, firmware or hardware and include any type of programmed stepundertaken by components of the system.

A Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) may be a corporatecomputing network, including access to the Internet, to which computersand computing devices comprising the system are connected. In oneembodiment, the LAN conforms to the Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) industry standard.

As used herein, media refers to images, sounds, video or any othermultimedia type data that is entered into the system.

A microprocessor may be any conventional general purpose single- ormulti-chip microprocessor such as a Pentium® processor, a Pentium® Proprocessor, a 8051 processor, a MIPS® processor, a Power PC® processor,or an Alpha® processor. In addition, the microprocessor may be anyconventional special purpose microprocessor such as a digital signalprocessor or a graphics processor. The microprocessor typically hasconventional address lines, conventional data lines, and one or moreconventional control lines.

The system is comprised of various modules as discussed in detail. Ascan be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, each of themodules comprises various sub-routines, procedures, definitionalstatements and macros. Each of the modules are typically separatelycompiled and linked into a single executable program. Therefore, thedescription of each of the modules is used for convenience to describethe functionality of the preferred system. Thus, the processes that areundergone by each of the modules may be arbitrarily redistributed to oneof the other modules, combined together in a single module, or madeavailable in, for example, a shareable dynamic link library.

The system may be used in connection with various operating systems suchas Linux®, UNIX® or Microsoft Windows®.

The system may be written in any conventional programming language suchas C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, or Java, and ran under a conventionaloperating system. C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, Java, and FORTRAN are industrystandard programming languages for which many commercial compilers canbe used to create executable code. The system may also be written usinginterpreted languages such as Perl, Python or Ruby.

A web browser comprising a web browser user interface may be used todisplay information (such as textual and graphical information) to auser. The web browser may comprise any type of visual display capable ofdisplaying information received via a network. Examples of web browsersinclude Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser, Netscape's Navigatorbrowser, Mozilla's Firefox browser, PalmSource's Web Browser, Apple'sSafari, or any other browsing or other application software capable ofcommunicating with a network.

Those of skill will further appreciate that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented aselectronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Toclearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the describedfunctionality in varying ways for each particular application, but suchimplementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing adeparture from the scope of the present disclosure.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

In one or more example embodiments, the functions and methods describedmay be implemented in hardware, software, or firmware executed on aprocessor, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, thefunctions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or moreinstructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readablemedia includes both computer storage media and communication mediaincluding any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer programfrom one place to another. A storage media may be any available mediathat can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and notlimitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM,CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carryor store desired program code in the form of instructions or datastructures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connectionis properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if thesoftware is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote sourceusing a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digitalsubscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio,and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave areincluded in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein,includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatiledisc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproducedata magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems,devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however,that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems,devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also statedabove, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology whendescribing certain features or aspects of the invention should not betaken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to berestricted to including any specific characteristics of the features oraspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intendedto fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciatedby those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment areinterchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from adepicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments inany combination. For example, any of the various components describedherein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged orexcluded from other embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting.

What is claimed is: 1-7. (canceled)
 8. A method for efficient coolingcontrol of a building, the method comprising: circulating untreatedambient air within a structure when ambient conditions are within afirst pre-determined temperature range; treating ambient air to cool theambient air to a desired temperature when ambient conditions are in asecond pre-determined temperature range, wherein treating the ambientair comprises indirect or direct evaporative cooling; circulating thetreated ambient air within the structure when ambient conditions arewithin the second pre-determined temperature range; exhausting air fromthe structures; managing attic temperature to assist in cooling thebuilding, wherein the temperature is managed by venting warmed attic airand circulating untreated ambient air to maintain attic temperatures ator below ambient temperatures; and, circulating cooled building airthroughout the building when ambient temperatures are within a thirdpre-determined temperature range, wherein the building air is cooledthrough indirect evaporative cooling.
 9. A method for efficient heatingcontrol of a building, the method comprising: circulating untreatedambient air when ambient conditions are within a first pre-determinedtemperature range; heating ambient air to obtain a desired temperaturewhen ambient temperatures are in a second pre-determined temperaturerange, wherein heating of ambient air comprises solar heating; managingattic temperature to assist in heating the building, wherein thetemperature is managed by circulating warmed attic air into the buildingand cool building air into the attic to maintain a desired temperature;and, circulating heated building air throughout the building whenambient temperatures are within a third pre-determined temperaturerange.
 10. A method of maximizing building efficiency, the methodcomprising: circulating untreated ambient air when ambient conditionsare within a first pre-determined temperature range; cooling ambient airto obtain a desired temperature when ambient conditions are in a secondpre-determined temperature range, wherein cooling of ambient aircomprises cooling through indirect evaporative cooling; managing attictemperature to assist in cooling the building, wherein the temperatureis managed by venting warmed attic air and circulating untreated ambientair to maintain attic temperatures at or below ambient temperatures;circulating cooled building air throughout the building when ambienttemperatures are within a third pre-determined temperature range,wherein the building air is cooled through indirect evaporative cooling;heating ambient air to obtain a desired temperature when ambienttemperatures are in a fourth pre-determined temperature range, whereinheating of ambient air comprises solar heating; managing attictemperature to assist in heating the building, wherein the temperatureis managed by circulating warmed attic air into the building and coolbuilding air into the attic to maintain a desired temperature; andcirculating heated building air throughout the building when ambienttemperatures are within a fifth pre-determined temperature range. 11.(canceled)
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein two or more electricaldevices are managed to avoid simultaneous start and thus to reduceelectrical demand penalties.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the twoor more electrical devices comprise compressors.
 14. The method of claim8, wherein heat is extracted from high heat sources with a heat pump.15. The method of claim 14, wherein the heat pump comprises an air-towater heat pump.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the heat isextracted from at least one of a kitchen, laundry, pool, from areasaround compressors, or from electrical equipment.
 17. The method ofclaim 14, wherein moisture is simultaneously extracted from high heatareas. 18-37. (canceled)
 38. The method of claim 9, wherein two or moreelectrical devices are managed to avoid simultaneous start and thus toreduce electrical demand penalties.
 39. The method of claim 38, whereinthe two or more electrical devices comprise compressors.
 40. The methodof claim 9, wherein heat is extracted from high heat sources with a heatpump.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the heat is extracted from atleast one of a kitchen, laundry, pool, from areas around compressors, orfrom electrical equipment.
 42. The method of claim 40, wherein moistureis simultaneously extracted from high heat areas.
 43. The method ofclaim 10, wherein two or more electrical devices are managed to avoidsimultaneous start and thus to reduce electrical demand penalties. 44.The method of claim 43, wherein the two or more electrical devicescomprise compressors.
 45. The method of claim 10, wherein heat isextracted from high heat sources with a heat pump.
 46. The method ofclaim 45, wherein the heat is extracted from at least one of a kitchen,laundry, pool, from areas around compressors, or from electricalequipment.
 47. The method of claim 45, wherein moisture issimultaneously extracted from high heat areas.
 48. The method of claim10, further comprising heating water with excess heat captured frombuilding activities; wherein the heat is captured through the use ofheat pumps, wherein the hot water is further used for providingadditional building climate control or for providing heated water, andwherein water generated through the heat capture activities is utilizedin connection with the building.